Wallace Gordon Wilson, 86, entered into eternal rest on July 25, 2023 in Houston,Texas. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Gordon Wilson; his sister, Helen Durham and brother-in-law, Jim Durham. He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Bunny, his children Brian (Kristin) Wilson, Corey (Julie) Wilson, and Rachel (Mitt) Salvaggio and his grandchildren, John, Jude, Juliet, and Hannah.
Wally grew up in Baytown,Texas and attended the University of Texas on a track scholarship. Very humble about his track career, Wally's accomplishments were many, including serving as leadoff man for the Southwest Conference champion 440-yard relays in 1957, 1958, and 1959, and as a member of the mile relay championship team in 1957 and 1958. The most notable was helping to set world records in both the 440- and 880-yard relays. Wally was inducted into the UT Athletics Hall of Honor in 2010. While studying Accounting, he was an active member of the Texas Cowboys service organization and the Friar Society, the oldest honor society at UT.
Upon graduation, Wally joined the United States Navy serving as an officer for three years. This led to a lifelong love of the water and sailing. He then started his career as a CPA in Houston, moving to Summit, NJ, and Brussels, Belgium before settling down back in Houston. Mid career, he transitioned from public accounting to oil and gas consulting where he enjoyed the freedom of working for himself until his retirement.
Wally’s faith was his cornerstone in life. He was active in the church starting with Redeemer Lutheran in Baytown, Kinsmen Lutheran in Houston and Spirit in the Hills Lutheran in Spicewood. He never met a stranger, was fond of saying “everyone has a story” and strove to truly know the people he met.
Wally’s light shone bright in whatever he was doing - spending time with family, woodworking, sharing a joke, or playing golf. He was an avid reader with an astonishing memory for recalling what he read. Wally was a true renaissance man, equally comfortable creating beautiful jewelry boxes and furniture in his workshop as he was wearing black tie.
Diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Wally received a lung transplant in 2014. This selfless gift from a stranger added almost nine memorable years to his life.
The family would like to thank the many wonderful doctors in Austin and Houston who cared for Wally through these years. Donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church Building Fund.
Wally’s Celebration of Life service, followed by a light lunch, will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas.
