Eric David Wallace was born June 24, 1976, to Frank and Sheridan Wallace. He is the oldest of three children. Eric was always exploring and looking for new things to fix or to tear apart to see how they worked. Eric accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and was very active with the youth group at First Baptist Church of Bremond, in Bremond, Texas.

In high school, Eric enjoyed playing football and baseball. He graduated from Bremond High School in 1994. Eric went to school for engineering, but knew he wanted to help others. Eric became the training officer for the Bremond Volunteer Fire Department, while working for Falls County EMS. Eric was hired by Bryan Fire Department in the year 2000. His dream had finally come true; he was working for the only department he ever wanted to.

Eric worked hard to promote to the one position in which he thought he could best serve the community of Bryan and his fellow brothers. One of Eric’s passions was working with all the citizens of Bryan no matter the age. He was the lead instructor for the Citizens Fire Academy. Eric loved watching the citizens’ faces when they learned new things that the firefighters endure while on the job. He also taught Gator Camp to the younger citizens of Bryan. Eric thoroughly loved teaching children to be safe and pass the information on to their parents. Other things Eric was passionate about were being hazardous materials team leader, a member of the truck committee, and most of all being the lieutenant on Engine 1.

In 2010, on his way home from working an extra shift, Eric saw a trailer house on fire. He made contact with 911 and then went closer to make sure there wasn’t anyone inside. Upon his arrival, there was a man inside who was unable to make it out due to smoke. In May 2010, Eric was honored by the 100 Club with an award for going above and beyond while off duty.

Eric also enjoyed being active in the City of Marlin, where he lived with his wife and five children. Eric always made time in his busy schedule for helping coach his three sons’ football team. He always made his daughter’s volleyball games, watched her cheer at high school football games and march in the band, and helped coach her high school softball team. Eric was very devoted to all five of his children. He always made special time for each one. Eric was an avid hunter and enjoyed golf.

He is survived by his wife, Brandie, and his children, Paige, Matthew, Robert, Barrett, and Isabell. He will be greatly missed.