Thomas Alva Walls Sr

Mr. Thomas A. Walls, Sr (Coach Walls) went to be with his Lord October 24, 2020 at the age of 89 years. He spent his life in education, real estate, and traveling the United States to view God's beautiful creation and meet some interesting people. Due to the pandemic, Thomas wanted his family and friends safe so he elected to have a graveside service at Christiana Baptist Church in Randolph county, Alabama Guntersville Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. The graveside service will be Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Christiana Baptist Church Cemetery in Lineville 12:00 noon. From 1950 to 1954, Thomas was honored to serve his country in the United States Air Force as an Air Police in the 72nd Air Police Squadron. He returned home to enter Jacksonville State University and graduated in June of 1958 with a B.S. and a B.A. degree in Chemistry and Math. His first teaching-coaching position was at Lineville High School in Clay County, Alabama where he taught chemistry, Geometry, and Algebra. He was the head basketball coach and took his team to the State tournament. He also met and taught the love of his life and best friend Barbara East, who later became his wife and survives him. He was an amazing basketball, football, and baseball coach and a great mentor to many students and coaches in Alabama for his 30 year Career. He was a quiet kind man who took care of many people throughout his life. He was an avid sports fan and loved Auburn University and University of Alabama football. Thomas had declared for Barbara way after her graduation in May 1958. She attended Jacksonville State University and in June 1959, he went to Texas Tech University for summer school. When there, he decided he wanted to marry Barbara. Upon returning he asked Mr. East for her hand in marriage so August 16, 1959 they were married at Christiana Baptist Church before a church full of family, friends, and former students. That marriage gave them their beloved sons, Thomas Alan Walls (Elana) and Thomas Alva Walls, Jr. (Tracey), two precious granddaughters, Lauren Walls Church (Joe) and Meghan Walls Jackson (Dylan). The couple went to Opp, Alabama where they lived for the next ten years and Coach Walls lead his Opp Teams to the State Basketball tournament several times, and was honored to serve as Head Coach of the Alabama North-South Tournament in Tuscaloosa. They both continued working on their advanced degrees. Thomas completed his masters at the University of Alabama and later his EDS at Auburn University. A 30 year career in education and coaching was enjoyed by the couple. One sister survives his, Louella Ornsby (Phillip) His Parents Joseph Wheeler and Ora Roden Walls, His four brothers Leroy (Boots), Herman (Jimmy), J.C. (Bear) and Leon (Baby) Wall proceed him in death. Barbara and the family want to express deepest appreciation to all friends and family for their thoughtful prayers during his illness and this sad time. They also express their gratefulness to Shepard's Cove Hospice and all the staff for care in his final days.

Thomas Alva Walls Sr

July 14, 1931 - October 24, 2020