Wallace Louis Givens Sr.
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green” (Psalm 92:14).
Our daddy, earthly father, Wallace Louis Givens Sr., was welcomed into his heavenly home on June 28, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born on Feb. 14, 1936, to Otsie Givens and Letha Willoughby Givens.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jevon Givens and James Givens; and the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Bonnie Brister Givens.
After serving four years in the United States Air Force, Mr. Givens and his wife began building the life they had dreamed of together as cattle farmers. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, spending many years in the oil field while growing the farm. When the paper mill came to Lawrence County, he worked as a millwright and later returned home to farm full-time while hauling pulpwood to the newly established St. Regis paper mill. In time, he purchased a tractor-trailer rig and enjoyed working alongside his son in the logging business, though he never strayed far from the farm he loved.
In his later years, Mr. Givens’ greatest work became caring for his wife through her extended illness while continuing to tend the farm. She would often smile and tell people, “I have become the farm,” because of the unwavering love and devotion he showed her every day.
His love for his family, the land, and God’s creation was evident to everyone who knew him. Even more evident was his steadfast faith and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a child and young man, he attended Sauls Valley Baptist Church. Later, he and his family faithfully served at Tilton Church, known to many as “the little church in the wildwood,” where they worshiped and dedicated their lives to the Lord for many years.
Mr. Givens leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and unconditional love. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Givens Fairburn (Howard); his son, Wallace “Wally” Louis Givens Jr. (Peggy); his grandchildren, Heath Fairburn (Maggie), Amanda Givens Sistrunk (Heath), Ellie Fairburn Bijeaux (Keith), Kaila Givens Stewart (Eric), and Macy Givens Quinn (Dillon); and 10 cherished great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were Heath Fairburn, Heath Sistrunk, Keith Bijeaux, Eric Stewart, Dillon Quinn, and Price Sistrunk. Honorary pallbearers were Harlan Bijeaux and Ridge Quin.
The Wallace Louis Givens family would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who cared for him during the final season of his life. A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice, HaloCare LLC, Sarah Davis, Shay Smith, and his great-granddaughter, Anne Claire Sistrunk, for your compassionate care, kindness, and love. Daddy was surrounded by the people and things he loved most: his family, his farm, and above all, his faithful God. His life was a beautiful example of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a love that will continue to live on through each of us.
A time of visitation will be held at Tilton Church on Hulon Brister Road in Jayess from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 29.
Funeral services will be conducted at Tilton Church at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Interment will follow in Tilton Cemetery. Bro. Matthew Campbell will officiate. Wilson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
