SOUTH CAROLINA, Jan. 6 – Wallace Handel Vale entered the Church Triumphant on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. He was born on May 24, 1935, in Roanoke, the son of Wallace Frederick Handel and Epsie Baldwin Vale. He grew up in Farmville and graduated from Farmville High School.

He attended University of North Carolina on a football scholarship and was recognized as an exceptional punter and fullback. He graduated and served in the US Army at Ft. Jackson, SC, before returning to UNC and obtaining a masters degree in recreational therapy.

His professional career included 20 years in the psychiatry dept. of MUSC where he served as Director of Recreational Therapy. This was followed by a faculty position at Longwood University in Farmville, teaching in the health/physical education department. He later became licensed as a marital/family therapist in SC and retired in 2000 from the Dorchester Alcohol and Drug Commission where he was a counselor.

Mr. Vale was an accomplished carpenter. He built two homes in SC and VA, numerous pieces of furniture, and spent many hours to improve the family homes. In earlier days he was an avid Lowcountry long distance runner with his wife and completed four marathons. He was a dedicated supporter of his children's athletic pursuits. Throughout his life he was a faithful Christian and was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sara Owens Vale, Ph.D. (Sally); his children, Darlene Vale Ball (David), Wallace (Hal) Handel Vale Jr. (Sandi), Wallace (Eric) Frederick Handel Vale, II (Jackie), and Christopher Leland Vale (Kari); six grandchildren, Tanner Wallace Vale, Reagan Sutherland Vale, Everett Caleb Vale, Owen Todd Vale, Aubrey Carrington Vale and Grace Elliott Vale, and in-laws, Bud and Jann Owens; nephews, Cole Owens (Christina) and Patrick Owens and sister, Leona Vale Gowen.

Funeral services were held at All Saints Lutheran Church, Mt. Pleasant, SC, on Monday, December 27, followed by burial at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, Mt. Pleasant.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, SC Chapter Lowcountry Region, 2090 Executive Hall Drive, Charleston, SC 29407, or All Saints Lutheran Church, 2107 Highway 17 North, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

Arrangements by McAllister-Smith Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant Chapel. On-line condolences may be sent via www.mcalister-smith.com