Terry Wayne Wallis, age 57 of Big Flat, Arkansas died Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Advanced Care in Searcy, Arkansas. He was born in Marianna, Arkansas on April 7, 1964 to Jerry Wallis and Angilee Marshall Wallis. He was in an automobile accident in 1984, just six weeks after the birth of his daughter, Amber. The accident left him in a coma for 19 years. In 2003 he awoke from the coma and began speaking. He has been the subject of many news and medical articles and was known as “The Man Who Slept for 19 Years.”

His mother and all of his family cared for him relentlessly during his coma and afterwards. His family would bring him home on alternate weekends for years. Doctors believe that this stimulation contributed to his awakening period.

His mother passed away in 2018. He enjoyed eating anything at any time and loved drinking Pepsi. He liked listening to live music, especially when his brother Perry was playing.

Terry was a great teaser and loved to tease his sister. His wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family.

Survivors include his dad, Jerry Wallis of the home; daughter, Amber Wallis; grandchildren, Victoria Wallis, Blazen Wallis and Arrow Wallis, all of Big Flat; siblings, George Wallis (Lindsey) of Big Flat, Perry Wallis (Dianna Ford) of Big Flat and Tammy Baze (Richard Harness), also of Big Flat; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family who will also mourn his passing.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Angilee Wallis; and grandparents, Dorsey and Ora Marshall, Andy Wallis and Deal McClanahan.

Funeral services for him were 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022 at Round Mountain Church with Bro. James Johnson and Bro. Charles Dye officiating. Visitation was from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. preceding the service. Burial was in Wallis Cemetery where he was laid to rest beside his beloved mother. Pallbearers were Randy Sisk, T.J. Woodbury, Richard Harness, Bobby Wallis, Cody House and Brandon Sisk. Honorary pallbearers were Tim Wallis, Gavin Wallis, James Baze, Donna Mooneyhan and Dianna Ford.