February 7, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen Monday night paid tribute to the late Wallace Dale Caldwell, a 17-year veteran and Chaplain of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department who passed away in November.
Mayor Josh Miller presented a plaque to Caldwell’s wife, Carolyn as a way of honoring him and his years of service to the City of Smithville. Caldwell’s daughters Kitty Thomas and Tiffany Caldwell, son-in-law Tony Thomas, and granddaughter Carly Thomas were also present for the tribute.
“At the end of last year we lost one of our own, Mr. Wallace Caldwell,” said Mayor Miller in making the presentation. “This plaque is being presented in memory of Wallace Dale Caldwell. He was a man dedicated to his family, friends, and community. He served us as Chaplain and a valued member of the Smithville Fire Department as well as the Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains and the Tennessee Fire & Codes Academy. He also served his community as a member of the Smithville Planning Commission for many years. He will truly be missed. In his memory I would like to present to you this plaque on behalf of the city council and myself,” added Mayor Miller.
“My husband truly loved the Lord. He loved being the Chaplain. He loved being a father and husband and he absolutely loved this city. We have lived here a long time. We have been married 50 years and it would have been 51 years in March. He truly valued every fireman and he prayed for them. He prayed for this council and our mayors, whoever they might have been. I thank you very much,” said Carolyn Caldwell in accepting the plaque.