Name: Brookside Funeral Home - Champions
Address: Houston, TX

I moved from Houston to Wimberley in the mid 1980s, at the time Wally and I were bringing Chuck Taylor to Houston and Austin to teach classes. I seldom visited Houston in the years after Wally closed the store, but when I did I tried to go by the house and visit he and BJ. Sometimes we went to lunch and spent the day visiting other gun shops in town, and later years just visited at the house. We enjoyed ribbing and giving each other a hard time. I was fortunate to to visit Wally in the hospital shortly before he passed. I didn't know what to say, but then decided to treat his as I always had.  I asked him if he was worth all this trouble, he laughed, and said "no". Shortly after he went to sleep.  Rest in peace my friend, I miss you.

I lived in Kingwood from 1981-88. I worked in the Gulf tower. I spent many lunch hours at Alexander’s Guns. I first went there because that is my middle name. Wally was a great guy,always friendly and fair price wise. Got some very nice Colts there,( which I 
wish I still had them). R.I.P. 
Numbers 6:24. “ May the Lord bless you and keep you”

I first met Wally before he became the proprietor of Alexander’s Guns. My wife’s a Uncle was the original owner and I would frequent the shop where I first met Wally in the late 1960’s. We became friends almost immediately. We had a great time “discussing” football, he being a Longhorn fan and me an OU fan. There was much good natured ribbing and more than a little bragging, depending on who won in Dallas each year. 

I was a police officer at the time who couldn’t afford to buy guns, but Wally and I did many trades over the years so I could carry a fine handgun on duty. Sometimes I came out a winner in the deals, sometimes Wally bested me. But the making of the deal was always fun. We spent countless hours sitting in his office haggling. I really miss those days. 

On several occasions, when off duty, I would work for Wally in the shop. It was alway s a fun day, at least for me.  He was a good man to work for. It was amazing to see the number of folks who were both customers and friends. A veritable who’s who of Houston and Harris County law enforcement officers came through the door of the shop and were welcome. 

One of my favorite memories of Wally was a phone call I received from him several years ago. The Houston area was experiencing one of the recent flood events. Baytown, where I live, was especially hit hard. In the midst of the rain Wally called to be sure Jan, my wife, and I were not being negatively impacted. Fortunately we were not but I will forever appreciate the care and concern expressed by my friend. 

My sincerest condolences go out to Betty and the family. You will and have been in my prayers. I will miss my friend!

Like many of Wally's friends, I met him as a customer  of Alexander's Guns.  In 1978, I begged for a job and was finally hired.  I went from teaching English to gun sales.  It would be an unparalleled kind of education.

Alexander's Guns was truly a unique business model.  Wally  understood human behavior and engaged his customers accordingly.  They were at once educated and entertained.  The culture of his store was one of professionalism, integrity and fun!!  Oh yeah, fun was a major ingredient.

 And he took care of his employees.  He demanded comprehensive product knowledge which made us feel a cut above.  Moreover, he provided us with health and life insurance at no cost and our Christmas bonus would always be quite generous, unheard of then and now.

In addition, he paid for extensive classes in combat handgun training, just in case. (Which proved fortuitous)

After retirement, we did gun shows together, always fun and filled with marvelous memories.

From 1978-1986, Wallace A. Gorman was my mentor in post academic life.  Working for him in those years provided me with a strong foundation in the specialty retail business world. 

 But above all, he was my friend, whom I loved.

The alumni of Jefferson Davis High School,  Houston, TX  wish to send our condolences to the Gorman family , friends and the class of '56.  Mr Gorman has been added to our In Memory  Of   page on Facebook,  Panther Pause.  May God send you a comfort and peace that can only come from Him.  And may He send many blessings to the families at this most difficult time.

Linda Lacy Vestal
Panther Pause JDHS
c/o of '64

OBITUARY

Wallace Aubrey Gorman

Brookside Funeral Home - Champions

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