John Wallace Tonkins

John Wallace Tonkins, 83, affectionally known as "Short John" to many, was called home Friday evening on May 26^th 2023 at Waverly Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Wallace was born to the late Martha Hamlin and Willie Tonkins on January 24, 1940, in Wakefield, Virginia, Wallace was educated in Sussex County School system. He is preceded in death by his mother Martha Hamlin, his father Willie Tonkins, his brothers; Wilbert “Coy”, James “Gene”, Willie Lee “Punch”, and Ralph Tonkins; his sisters Doris Hamlin, Josephine Gray, Gladys Debnam, Willie Ann “Honey” McBryde, and Ruth “Billie” Jones.

Wallace (Short John) is survived by one sister Vernell Butts of Smithfield and one brother in-law Anthony Jones of Hampton and a  host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Wallace (Short John) was a very outgoing man who enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing his lottery and collecting items that others no longer wanted. The family often called him Fred Sanford because he felt that collecting items others no longer wanted always had a price tag. Wallace (Short John) loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews who surrounded him as he transitioned from his earthly home.  Before his number was called, John Wallace Tonkins accepted Jesus Christ into heart.

Wallace (Short John) will be greatly missed as we all remember all the memories and times, we each were blessed to have with him.

A Graveside Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 03, 2023 at 11am at Pocahontas Hillcrest Cemetery in Wakefield, Va.  Viewing will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 3-6pm at the chapel.  Please keep the Tonkins family in your prayers.