Wallace A Reichert

Wallace A. Reichert, “Wally” of Lake City, Florida passed on to return to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the age of 85.  He is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 63 years Edna Reichert, son Dr. Richard Reichert of Lake City, and predeceased by his daughter Eileen Jacob and brother David Reichert. Wally also leaves behind 5 granddaughters: Katherine Harer (Jacob), Molly Ashur (Nicholas), Sarah Reichert, Chrissie Johnson (Brian), and Rachel Jacob; daughter-in-law Jill Reichert, son-in-law Randy Jacob, brother Jan Reichert (Betty), sisters-in-law Barbara Reichert and Frances Hoskins, brother-in-law Earl Hoskins, and an extended family of nieces and nephews. He loved all and was deeply loved in return.

Wally was born in Binghamton, NY on July 31, 1933 to Wallace and Bertha Reichert. After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, Florida, he graduated with a degree in Art from Florida State University and served 2 years in the United States Marine Corps.

He began his lifetime career in the newspaper business as an artist at the Panama City News Herald. When the paper’s publisher moved to West Palm Beach, Wally transferred to the Palm Beach Post where he advanced from the Art department into Offset Printing and eventually to Head of Production.

After 40 years in the newspaper business, Wally retired in 1994 and moved to Lake City to be closer to his family. He became immediately immersed into the community where his contributions are evident today. He was an active member both in the First Presbyterian Church and subsequently at Gateway Baptist Church serving as Elder and Deacon. He was an active Hospice volunteer visiting patients, especially those with military backgrounds, and he also served as a board member with the Friends of the Library.

Wally was a very talented artist primarily in the use of water colors. He was one of the founding members in the establishment of the Gateway Art League and the opening of the Art Gallery on Marion Street in downtown Lake City. He actively taught art classes and coordinated art shows around town. His own work was awarded numerous prizes at the independently judged competitions and remains on display at Gateway Community College, Haven Hospice of Lake City, and Gateway Art Gallery.

A Memorial Service will be held at noon on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Gateway Baptist Church, 3252 SW SR 247, Lake City, with Pastor Steve Thompson and Pastor Jon Kent officiating. A visitation for friends and family will be held at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary just prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Wally’s honor be given to Gateway Baptist Church or Haven Hospice of Lake City.

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