Roy Dean Wallis

Longtime Mat-Su Valley resident Roy Dean Wallis, 65, died Jan. 27, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Ontario, Ore., Dec. 5, 1946, to Grace and Lester Collins.

He graduated from McKinleyville High School in 1965, where he met Nancy, his beloved wife of nearly 48 years. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State University in 1970.

A sense of adventure brought Roy to Alaska in 1976. He and his family settled in Wasilla, where he opened Chimo Guns.

He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Wasilla. During the past 23 years, he served in the church as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and missionary. He also served as a Gideon and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Roy loved the great outdoors of Alaska. His passions included hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family.

A friend summed it up well: "He was larger than life."

His family will dearly miss his love, guidance, strength and wisdom. His grandchildren were his crown jewels, and he was the pride of his two children. His legacy will live on for many years to come.

Preceding him in death were his parents, four brothers, and one sister.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy; son and daughter-in-law, Cass and Suki Wallis; daughter and son-in-law, Carmen and Craig Pell; grandchildren, Grayson and Jon Jackson of Hermiston, Ore., Amber Pell, Shelby Wallis, Wyatt Wallis, Elijah Pell, Morgan Wallis and Carson Pell; great-grandchild, Kelly Jackson; his brother, Dennis Wallis of Vancouver, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services in honor of Roy are at 7 p.m., Feb. 2 at First Baptist Church of Wasilla.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory Wasilla cared for the family.