Morris Wayne Wallace, age 58, of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 9:28 a.m.
Wayne was born on December 2, 1966, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late David Wayne Wallace and Janet Wallace.
Wayne was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his mother, Janet Wallace of Paducah; his daughter, Jennifer Leigh Clark of Lexington; and his two grandsons, Case and Wyatt Clark, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff (Kim) Wallace of West Paducah, and his sister, Karen (Mark) Purvis of West Paducah. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, David Wayne Wallace, and his beloved wife, Linda Sue Wallace. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who cherished him deeply.
Wayne was a 1985 graduate of Heath High School and went on to further his education at Paducah Community College before graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1990 with a degree in Cinematography. After college, he returned to Paducah and pursued his passion for radio, working for WKYQ, "The Rabbit Station," where he became a well-known on-air personality. Wayne’s contributions to the station included hosting the popular “Yesterday Once More” Sunday night show and voicing numerous memorable commercials. In 1996, he created and voiced the character Eugene the Intern, and later became the beloved “Buck,” co-hosting the morning show until 2002.
Wayne moved to Frankfort in 2002, where he began a fulfilling career at the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). He supported efforts to provide better access to higher education for students across the state until his retirement in 2024. Wayne’s passion for entertainment was evident throughout his life. He was a natural-born performer, known for memorizing movie scripts and sharing quotes with his daughter, Jenny. In the 1980s and 1990s, he performed in several Market House Theater productions and took part in many plays while attending Paducah Community College. Wayne also loved singing and was a member of a barbershop quartet for several years.
Above all, Wayne’s greatest pride was being a father and grandfather. He found immense joy in spending time with his grandsons, watching them ride their bicycles, and playing together. His love for family, faith, and children defined much of his life. Wayne was an active member of Graefenburg Baptist Church in Waddy, KY, where he served for several years as an ordained deacon. He combined his love for serving the Lord with his passion for entertaining by working with the church’s youth at the Hosanna House, where he wrote, directed, and performed in skits for the children.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home in Paducah. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunrise Children’s Services, 3565 Lone Oak Rd, Suite #2, Paducah, KY 42003.
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