David Wallace

The gale force wind that was David L. Wallace, shifted to a whisper as heaven gained one of Oldsmar’s most beloved citizens on April 27, 2026.  David passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Joan Wallace, by his side.  He will be remembered for the steady presence he brought to those around him, his generosity of spirit, and the meaningful connections he built throughout his life.

David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, family member, and friend. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, often through simple moments, conversation, humor, or just being there when it mattered most. His strength and kindness has left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

From racing Elvis on the streets of Memphis as a teen, to soaring across 49 states as a pilot to celebrate his 60th birthday, David Wallace, lived a life of boundless momentum. A Vietnam Army veteran who discovered a lifelong love for Germany during his service, he later founded DLW and Associates in 1981 in Memphis, eventually bringing his architectural firm to Safety Harbor to be near Joan, the love of his life.  His leadership at Community United Methodist Church of Oldsmar was a direct reflection of his deep faith and love for Jesus Christ where he and Joan have attended church for over 30 years.  A visionary pioneer and former Chairman of the Board for Oldsmar Cares, David left an indelible legacy of service through the charitable organization he helped shape.  In 2018, David received the Tampa Bay Lightning “Man of the Year” Community Hero award, followed by the 2022 "Oldsmar Citizen of the Year" honors.  At the center of everything David did was his love for Jesus, a faith that blossomed into a lifetime of service to the people and causes he held dear.

For years, David and Joan found a second sanctuary in the home they built in the mountains of Lake Glenville, North Carolina. Their summer residence was a place of rest and renewal, where they continued their lifelong commitment to faith by actively serving at the Cashiers United Methodist Church and support of local charities.  While David’s adventurous spirit called him to explore the world’s far reaches, his most profound journey was the one he shared with Joan. Their bond was a rare masterpiece of mutual devotion...a deep, cherished closeness that remained the anchor of his extraordinary life.

David is survived by his partner and wife of 35 years, Joan Wallace, of Oldsmar, Florida, his son David L. Wallace, Jr, and wife, Kathy Wallace, of Dunedin, his daughter, Amy Locklear and husband, Andy, and granddaughter, Alaina Locklear, of Warrior, Alabama, and grandson, Jordan Craig (Kiely Goodman) and great-grandson, Percy Craig, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, his sister-in-laws, Susan Bowen of Bradenton, and Lolly Sharpe of Englewood, Florida, niece, Jamie Curry of Placida, Florida, and great-nephew, Brayden Curry, and wife Morgan Curry, and great-great nephew, Crew Curry, of Tampa, who will continue to honor his memory and carry forward the values he lived by.

A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at the Community United Methodist Church of Oldsmar located at 207 Buckingham Avenue East in Oldsmar, Florida, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 2nd, where family and friends are invited to gather to remember and share stories of his life.  After the service, refreshments will be offered at the church’s fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oldsmar Cares, a local organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in need within the community David called home, or to Community United Methodist Church of Oldsmar.

A leader by title but a servant by heart, David leaves behind a legacy as enduring as the people he served and the community he championed. David loved the people of Oldsmar and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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