Joe Wallis, Jr.

Joe D. Wallis, Jr. died on July 25, 2024 at his Champaign home.  In accordance with family wishes, he will be cremated and friends may greet the family from 3:00-5:00pm on Monday August 5, with a Memorial Service to follow at 5:00.  All services will be at Owens Funeral Home (101 N. Elm St.) in Champaign. 

Joe D. Wallis Jr. was born June 24th, 1963 in Denver, Colorado to Joe D. Wallis Sr. and Carolyn Ann Wallis (nee Massey). Joe was fondly called Denzil, Mr. Magoo, Mr. Sister, and Broadway Joe by his friends, and co-workers. He graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1981, and continued his education as an adult student, graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors in English. Joe worked as a Route Driver at F&S at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and retired after 25 years of service. He married Jessica Elaine Johnson March 23rd, 1995, a union that lasted 23 years and produced three much beloved children. He enjoyed playing the guitar, watching movies, and reading. His favorite authors were Stephen King and J.R.R Tolkien. Joe is preceded in death by his father, Joe D. Wallis Sr., his mother, Carol Shewalter, and his step-father, Robert N. Shewalter. He is survived by his sisters; Susan E. Freathy and Sarah L. Walker; his nephews: Jason Walker and Owen Freathy; and his children: Charlie, Quinn, and Jonathan Wallis. Joe is also preceded in death by two beloved pets, Cottonball and Foxy, and survived by Hazel, his faithful companion of 12 years until his dying day.

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