SOUTHERN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
1000 HODGESVILLE ROAD
DOTHAN, ALABAMA 36301
334-702-1712
James Wallace Thomley, 78, a resident of Wicksburg, AL, passed away on May 7, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a man of unwavering faith.
After graduating high school, Wallace served his country in the U.S. Army as a military police officer at Fort Hood, Texas. Following his military service, he began his civilian career with Page Aircraft at Fort Rucker, then spent 11 years in various roles at the Farley Nuclear Plant. In 1983, he embarked on a new path with Hardee’s, where he was quickly promoted to general manager and served in that role at several Wiregrass-area locations until his retirement in 2008.
A faithful member of Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ (formerly Appletree Street Church of Christ) for 65 years, Wallace served as a deacon and was the congregation’s longest-standing member. He was deeply involved in church life—teaching Sunday school, supporting various ministries, and offering heartfelt prayers that touched many. His faith and leadership left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Wallace’s life was shaped by the influence of strong Christian men: his great-grandfather Henry Thomley, who nurtured his faith in God; his father Ray Thomley, who instilled in him the value of hard work; and his uncle Taft Thomley, who guided him in raising a God-centered family. Wallace carried forward their legacy in the way he loved and led his own family with humility, strength, and grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Myrtle Reeves Thomley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Margaret Ann Stephens Thomley of Wicksburg; daughter Melinda Sherrod (John) of Dothan; grandchildren Jessica Sherrod of Knoxville, TN, and John Sherrod Jr. of Dothan; three sisters, Brenda Herndon (Don), Wanda McSween, and Cathy Brown (Bill); and his brother-in-law Larry Stephens (Diane), who was like a brother to him.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Honeysuckle Church of Christ (986 Honeysuckle Road), with visitation to follow at the Courtyard by Marriott Dothan (3040 Ross Clark Circle).
In lieu of flowers, Wallace requested that donations be made to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice of Dothan or the American Heart Association.
