Ezra Linton Wallace, Sr. 95, transitioned peacefully into heavenly “Paradise” on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Toledo Hospital. Born in the Success Parish of Hanover, Jamaica to Edward and Adassa Wallace, he was the sixth of ten children, 5 girls and 5 boys most of whom all held a skilled trade. His was brick mason, a trade that he was quite passionate about and lived for. He came to the United States in 1944, part of a government work detail applying his skill all over the US. Settling in Toledo he met and married Delores Pope and his love for children brought 6 to their union.

He was the first African American member of Local 3, International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsman and was well respected in the industry. He imparted his expertise to others and mentored many

upcoming masons in the art and pride of the trade. He worked for contractors George Dittman & Sons, S.A.

Store & Sons and Rudolph Libbe after which he became self employed. During this time he worked primarly as a subcontractor for Corey Brothers Home Builders and laid many bricks in their upscale neighbohoods. He worked on many large projects in the city including the Masonic Auditorium. He was self-employed for 42 years until his retirement in 1979 after which he continued to take on smaller jobs at his leisure into his early 80s. He was a well known patron of the Walt Hodgens American Legion Post where he would toast the end of his work day with fellow workers.

He re-dedicated his life to Christ in 2002 and joined New Bethel COGIC at the age of 78 where he was affectionately known as "Poppa Wallace" and rarely missed his Sunday service. An inspiration to us all he loved people and never met a stranger, was vibrant, strong in will and and health and was never seriously sick a day in his life. He is now rejoicing in eternal life with his wife Delores and sons Ezra, Jr., Reginald and Daniel Pope, Sr.

He leaves to celebrate his legacy daughters Murdella, Cecillia, Missionary Jessica and Zeenat Wallace, sons Steven and Roy Wallace, granddaughters Zetta (Ray) Hines and Destiny Wallace, grandsons Daniel McDonald and Daniel Pope, sisters Odelee Little and Estelee Myrie of Jamaica, sisters-in-law Lucille Brown and Clara Patterson, great grand children Amber Wallace, Paris, Chasity, Candyce and Maurice Jamison, 4 great-great grandchildren, best friend Olen Dorn and a host of other relatives and friends.