Wallace Litchfield

Wallace Litchfield, a beloved father, grandfather, and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on September 26, 1933, in the quaint and storied town of Golden Pond, Kentucky, Wallace was the son of Landis Litchfield and Coralean Joyce Litchfield. His life, much like the rivers he cherished, flowed with dedication, love, and resilience. Wallace shared a beautiful life with his late wife, Helen Balentine Litchfield, whom he married on January 23, 1954. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter, raising their children, Victor Lee Litchfield, Jeff Litchfield, and Sheila Dunn, with unwavering support and devotion. Though Helen passed on October 29, 2018, their love story remains an enduring testament to commitment and partnership. Wallace was a man of many talents and trades, known for his industrious spirit and tireless work ethic. He spent his early years working as a successful commercial fisherman and mussel fisherman on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, embodying the deep connection he felt to the waters that surrounded his childhood home. His career was as diverse as it was impressive, including roles as a carpenter, farmer, and ferry boat operator on the Tennessee River. Notably, he contributed to the raising of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge to accommodate the creation of Kentucky Lake—a testament to his dedication to the community and its infrastructure. A son of Golden Pond, Wallace was deeply proud of his heritage and the land that shaped him. His expertise as a moonshiner was renowned, and in 2025, Golden Pond Distillery honored him and his brother, Glendale Litchfield, with a commemorative bottle of moonshine celebrating their legacy. Wallace's vast knowledge of and love for the land were evident to all who knew him, and he was always eager to share stories of Between the Rivers, ensuring that its history and the memories of the families displaced by TVA would never be forgotten. Wallace was predeceased by his beloved wife, his parents, his sister Barbara Nell Hudson, and his son-in-law, Daryl Dunn. He is survived by his devoted children, Victor, Jeff, and Sheila; his brother, Glendale Litchfield, and sister-in-law, Lou Nelle; seven grandchildren: Errica Dunn, Jessica Riley, Jeremiah Litchfield, Jarren Litchfield, Jantzen Litchfield, Kacy Tynes, and Cody Litchfield; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. His family, a living testament to his legacy, was the pride and joy of his life. Wallace's life was a tapestry woven with hard work, family devotion, and an unyielding connection to his roots. In his passing, the community mourns the loss of a man whose spirit was as enduring as the rivers he called home. He will be dearly missed, but his stories and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. A celebration of Wallace's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable journey of a man who truly lived Between the Rivers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to preservation efforts for the lands and communities that Wallace held so dear.