Elder Hassell Wallis departed this life on March 9, 2002 at the age of 83. He pastored several churches including Pine Hill Primitive Baptist Church (MS) and White Haven Primitive Baptist Church (TN). He was also used by God to start Ripley Primitive Baptist Church. In his part of the country, he was a pioneer for getting churches to meet every Sunday and to support their pastors for the full-time ministry. Many remember him as a great encourager.