Wallace Prophet

Wallace W Prophet passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 at age 97. He was born in Pembroke, FL November 22, 1927 the only son of Thelma Barker Prophet and her husband Wallace David Prophet. His father lost his life in an industrial accident before Wallace was born. He grew up in the phosphate mining town of Coronet, near Plant City, FL and later wrote a comprehensive history of the town, its residents, and the Coronet phosphate mining operation called “Coronet: Life in the Backsquare”, a reference to the center of activities in the small company village. He attended Plant City High School and as 15 year old sophomores, he and Sarah Dale had their first date April 6, 1943, beginning an 82 year romance and 75 year marriage. Their relationship continued as Sarah attended Duke University and Wallace began at the University of Florida plus a two year stint in the Army Air Corps in postwar Japan—kept alive with daily letters between Durham and Tokyo. They married in 1949 after Sarah’s graduation from Duke. Wallace earned three degrees in Gainesville, one as a member of the first class of PhD’s UF awarded in Psychology. His distinguished career began in Dothan, AL in 1958, designing and implementing the Army pilot training program at Fort Rucker and beginning a career in simulator design and training. He also worked with Navy aviation programs in Pensacola, and in 1975 formed Seville Research Corporation with Dr. Paul Caro. The company moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and became a subsidiary of United Airlines. He concluded his career serving 5 years on the US Air Force Scientific Advisory Board along with experts in all fields of aviation. A long and enjoyable retirement began in Plant City, then Gainesville, focused on travel, friendships, and family. Besides cheering for the Gators, Wallace also established the Pioneer Psychology Fund for UF Psychology graduate students.
Wallace is survived by his lifelong companion, Sarah, and their two sons, Dale and Chuck (MaryEllen); grandchildren Dr Lindsay Frederick (Todd), William Prophet, Sofia Pinson (James), and Elizabeth Prophet; and great-grandchildren Caroline Frederick and Quinn Frederick.
Contributions to the Pioneer Psychology Fund #006507, 945 Center Dr, P O Box 112250, Gainesville, FL 32611 or other worthy causes are appreciated. A memorial celebration and interment in Plant City will occur at a later date.