Robert Joe Wallis
1938 – 2025
If anyone deserved an express ticket to heaven, it was Bob Wallis. A devoted Christian, Bob was a leader and an inspiration to all who knew him. Born to John and Bertha Wallis on December 26, 1938, in Lawton, OK, Robert Joe Wallis passed from this life on Sunday, March 9, 2025. His parents preceded him in death.
Bob graduated from Lawton High School in 1956 and earned his bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from OU in 1962. While he was a student in pharmacy school, he worked as a stock boy. He worked his way up the ladder and went on to become President of Hyde Drug in 1982. Helping others was his passion and he mentored many leaders of small pharmacy chains across the country to help them compete with larger corporations.
Bob was from a different time when your word was your bond, a handshake deal could be trusted, and integrity meant everything. He was a rare breed- an honorable man, and he was a shining example of what a man should be. He raised his three sons to be the same. Always ready with a warm hug, a broad smile, and a word of encouragement, he loved his family fiercely. When he saw injustice, he stood firmly against it and quietly fought for right to prevail behind the scenes. When a friend or family member needed help, he would give a hand with no strings attached. He was someone you could admire without being disappointed later.
Quick to smile, slow to anger, Bob was accepting, kind, and loving. He loved teaching Sunday School and would usually have a newspaper clipping ready if he thought someone would find it of interest. Alzheimer's stole some of his charming qualities a few years back but it couldn't take the twinkle in his eye. He loved the Lord, his family, and root beer floats.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 66 years Rubena Wallis, his sons and their wives Jeff (Robin) Wallis, Joseph (Krista) Wallis, Justin (Jennifer) Wallis, grandchildren and great grandchildren Riley (Blake) Buchen, Rhett (Kenzie and Emma Kate) Wallis, Tyler (Karen, Evelyn and Elijah) Smith, Kyle Delcamp, Griffin Wallis, sisters Joan (David) Gutierrez and Martha Rodgers, numerous nieces, nephews, other loved ones, and his trusty sidekick Buddy the dog.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital by clicking here.
Services will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Matthew Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, Oklahoma.