Percy Wallis

Harlaston. Source Tamworth Herald.

Funeral: St Matthew's Church was full for the funeral of Mr Arthur Percy Wallis.

Percy was the oldest inhabitant, having spent all his 89 years in the village. He left the village school aged 14 and, apart from five years spent with coal merchant Mr WH Wilday, the whole of his working life was at Manor Farm, first with Mr PH Mercer, then his sin Alec, and finally his grandson Roger.

During his time he won many cups and trophies with his pedigree short-horns and was a very well known personality on the show circuit. In the past he had been a member of the Home Guard and a Special Constable.

After 45 years he was presented with a Long Service Medal and in 1982 was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to agriculture.

Both Percy and his late wife Winnie had been devoted attenders at St Matthew's and on the occasionof their Golden Wedding presented a beautiful alter frontal to the church. Hewas a greatly loved and respected member of the village community and will be greatly missed by many.

Source Parish Magazine 1998

At Rest 3rd March - Arthur Percy Wallis, Churchside. Aged 89 years.

With the passing away of Percy, it is the end of an era in the village. He was the oldest inhabitant, having lived all his life in Harlaston. Apart from the first five years working with Willdays Coal Merchants in Tamworth, he devoted his working life to farming at Manor Farm with three generations of the Mercer family. For his dedicated Services to Agriculture he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1982. Percy and his late wife, Winnie, were always faithful attenders at St Matthew's, donating the beautiful Altar Frontal on the occasion of their Golden Wedding. He was a loved and respected member of our community and will be missed by many.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to Eileen, grandsons Paul, Geoff and Simon, and great Grandsons Thomas and Sam.

'Grant him Eternal rest, O Lord.'