Wallace Rudolph Crider, 94, of Hartwell, passed away Monday, December 11, 2017 at Kindred Hospice, in Athens, GA.

Born on May 14, 1923 in Royston, GA, he was the son of the late James Asbury Crider and Mary Etta Phillips Crider.

Following his service in the U.S. Navy during WW II, Wallace attended Oglethorpe University and soon began his long career as a salesman of toys, games, and crafts. As a sales representative for various toy manufacturers, he helped introduce such classics as the Hula Hoop, Duncan Yo-Yos, and many others.At retirement in 1986, he and his wife took up residence on Lake Hartwell, where they enjoyed the beautiful woodland setting and hosted many happy gatherings of family and friends. Wallace was blessed with good physical health until a fall two months ago precipitated a decline that led to his death.
Wallace was preceded in death by his 11 siblings: Bertie Lankford, Belle Gable, Ila White, Blanche Kinstle, Edna Smith, Anne Clark, Juddie Sills, Woodrow Crider, James Crider, Bobbie Smith, and Bruce Crider.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 70 years: Minnie Lee Pittman Crider of Hartwell; two sons: Gary Crider of Athens and Phil Crider (and Jenni Boynton) of Woodstock; and a wonderful extended family of step-grandchildren: Brittney Mills, Shantelle Rivera, Trevor Boynton, Derek Boynton; and step-great-grandchildren: Alyssa Taylor, Kayla Taylor, Christian Taylor, Uriah Rivera, Isiah Rivera, Jasper Mills, and Elliana Boynton.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 3:00 in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Memorial Garden of Prayer, in Hartwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sandy Creek Nature Center, 205 Old Commerce Rd., Athens, GA 30607 or Hart County Botanical Garden, P. O. Box 44, Hartwell, GA30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of arrangements.