Terrance Jerome Walls, II

Let me tell you about the life I lived and the legacy I left behind. I was born Terrance Jerome Walls II on October 19, 1990, in Santa Monica, California, but my life's journey took me to many other places.

My first stop was UCLA. Yes, that's right! You read that correctly. I started that baby life at UCLA. Mom was a college student, so that means so was I. In fact, I like to say I went to college way ahead of my time, which is why I always had an inquisitive mind. I am also pretty sure my ability to make a connection with folks who are different than me was likely because that's what I was doing from the very beginning when living in L.A.

After spending my early years in LA, we moved back home to Oakland. Some of my fondest memories come from this time where I discovered my love for track, soccer, art, and video games. I was also nurtured by a loving family and a culturally diverse community of friends. One of my proudest moments was making it to the Junior Olympics in track. I guess I've always been pretty fast. I traveled with my Dad all the way to Nebraska to complete. Learning, growth, community, and fun - these were my guiding principles during these formative years.

In 2005, we moved to Vegas to be closer to Big Mommy and Grandpa. I continued to nurture my love for art and track. I even broke the school record for the 400 hurdles and was one of the fastest hurdlers in the state of Nevada. I graduated from Foothill High School in 2009.

In 2010, I joined the U.S. Navy as a Boatswain's Mate, embarking on a six-year journey that nurtured my love for the sea and introduced me to a different life perspective. It was during my time in the navy that I developed a passion for travel and the outdoors. I also strengthened my love of making connections with people from all walks of life.

After my military service, I decided to live outside of my comfort zone and moved to rural Illinois where I built a family with my partner, Amanda Thompson and her children McKenzie, Noah, Kaydan, and Olivia. It was here that I developed a new passion for mentoring and coaching young people. I nurtured this passion by starting a Soccer League because the kids in my new community didn't have access to this sport. I also furthered my education. I enrolled at the Spoon River College in Illinois, where I earned a professional certificate in phlebotomy. This achievement was not just a notch in my belt, but a stepping stone towards my next career path. I moved on to serve as a Phlebotomist at the ImpactLife Blood Donation Center in 2018, a role that allowed me to give back to society in a meaningful way.

Before my untimely death on March 10, 2024, I worked as a Merchandiser for Keurig - Dr. Pepper. Here, I merged my professional skills with a love for outdoor activities, creating a perfect blend of work and play.

My life was not just about work; I was an avid fan of Raiders Football and had a soft spot for family. My chosen family and community in Illinois, as well as my parents, Terrance Jerome Walls and Tonya Evette Walls, along with my brother Jelani, made up my emotional core. I was blessed with a supportive village, including my great grandmother Thalia Littlefield, grandmothers Lucy Gray Walls and Pamela Peterson Moore, and grandfather George Moore, along with a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins from both sides of my family, and too many others to name.

In celebrating my life, remember my passions. Remember my love for soccer, video games, outdoor activities, mentoring, and most importantly, family. I lived a life that was full and vibrant, and I hope to be remembered for the joy and kindness I brought to the world.