John Carl “JC” Wallin, of Madison County, NC, was born July 21, 1935, and went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. JC was a loving husband, father, and “G-Daddy.” He was an avid sports fan, particularly fond of the North Carolina Tar Heels and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved to fish, hunt, spend time at the lake, tend to his always plentiful garden, and mow his manicured yard.
JC was born and raised in Madison County where he attended and graduated from Laurel High School. Upon graduating from high school at the age of 16, he began working for Southern Railroad, in order to save for and pursue his college education. He began his college and baseball career at Mars Hill College, and then transferred to Warren Wilson College. His 1959 Warren Wilson baseball team was recently inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame as a “Team of Excellence.” He would eventually earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Western Carolina University, where he was a member of the Catamount baseball team.
After graduating from college, he embarked on his career in Education that spanned over 36 years in Madison County Schools. Over the course of his career, he served as Teacher, Coach, Principal, held several Administrative roles in the Central Office, and eventually retired as Associate Superintendent. He enjoyed being in the classroom, but his true love was coaching student athletes. In addition to leading several men’s and women’s basketball teams to undefeated seasons, he was most proud of his 1965 Mars Hill High School Wildcats Class A State Championship baseball team. He led the team of ten young men to a 15-2 record, and this remains the sole Madison County men’s state championship to date. When the Madison County High Schools consolidated in 1973, he had the honor of being appointed the first Principal of Madison High School. Upon retirement, he continued to serve Madison County Schools as a member of the Board of Education for 12 years. He also served on the County Boards of Health, Housing Authority, and was a member of the Lion’s Club and the Masonic Lodge. JC attended Hot Springs First Baptist Church for several years and was a member of Long Branch Baptist Church, Marshall, NC.
While he accomplished much professionally, his biggest success and greatest joy was as a husband and father. He guided his family with an abundance of love, grace, and humor, always leading by his quiet example of integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness.
JC is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Selma Price Wallin, four children, Gail (Will) Sears, Carla (Matt) Schneider, Jonathan (Oshen) Wallin, and Hanna (Todd) Hardin, ten grandchildren, Jake, Grace, and Kate Sears, Quinn Schneider, Caden, Tyler, and Kyleigh Wallin, and Luke, Bryce, and Cam Hardin, mother-in-law, Talitha Price, sister-in-law, Pam Maguire (Mike), three nieces, and six great nieces/nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Minnie Wallin, infant sister, Caroleen, and twin sister, Jena Lee Wallin Buckner.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Mars Hill, NC. He will lie in state from 11am – 3pm followed by a service at 3pm. Burial will be at Fairview Methodist Church Cemetery, Hot Springs, NC. The family kindly asks that you wear masks and practice social distancing. A live stream of the service will be available. Flowers are accepted and appreciated or, in lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to a charity of your choosing or to Fairview Methodist Church Cemetery fund, PO Box 583, Hot Springs, NC 28743.
The family would like to thank the many friends and neighbors that have offered their love and support. Your kindness and generosity are much appreciated.
Online condolences may be sent to the family and you may view the service live at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.