Author: Scott Wallace

Capt. John Wallace 1939 – 2024

John Wallace
(March 24, 1939 – January 6, 2024)

Capt. John Wallace presenting the wreath at the Wallace 700 Society of Aberdeen wreath laying ceremony commemorating the 700th anniversary of the execution of William Wallace. (Aberdeen, Scotland, 8/21/2005)

WALTERBORO:     John Robert Wallace passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, January 6, 2024, at the Trident Medical Center in Charleston after a brief illness, at the age of 84. John was born March 24, 1939, in Princeton, Indiana a son of the late Robert Floyd Wallace and Marjorie Eloise Steel Wallace.  He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1961 and entered active duty as an Ensign, before the Coast Guard sent him to the University of Illinois, where he earned his engineering degree. For the next twenty years he served his country faithfully, rising through the ranks, before eventually retiring as a Captain.  During his career, he saw combat in the Vietnam War and received many awards and citations to include the following:  The Meritorious Service Medal, The Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Gold Star, the Amy Commendation Medal, The Coast Guard Achievement Medal, The National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. John was extremely proud of his military service, and throughout his life he dedicated countless hours in support of veterans and their needs.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

John spent his civilian career serving as a county administrator in various places including Amelia, Virginia.  He was an active member of the Clan Wallace Society, a heritage group that promoted the history of Scotland and its famous martyr, William Wallace.  John was knighted in three countries and thus was known as Sir John Wallace.  Many of his friends lovingly called him “Sir John”. He also was known for many years as “Captain John” to his friends and acquaintances in the Clan Wallace Society.   John was well-known throughout Walterboro and Colleton County.  He possessed a caring and outgoing personality, and his witty stories and contagious laugh will be remembered by all that knew him.  He was a member of the Walterboro Elks Lodge #1988 and the Harley Owners Group.

In lieu of flowers, it was John’s request that memorials be made in his memory to The Wounded Warrior Project, or to the Disabled American Veterans.

Used with permission of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro.

Barbara Joan Wrenn 1936-2021

Barbara Joan Wrenn
1936 – 2021
Barbara Joan Wrenn (Pessagno) passed away on December 12, 2021, at her home in Temple Hills, Maryland. She was born April 22, 1936, in Washington, DC, to Elwood T. Pessagno, and Myrtle V. Pessagno (Sullivan). She was the widow of Charles M. Wrenn II, former Clan Wallace Society Board member.
Barbara was retired from the United States Government where she worked as an Accounting Technician. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elwood and Myrtle Pessagno, and her husband, Charles M. Wrenn II. She is survived by her son, Charles M. Wrenn III (Miriam); sisters Margaret “Margie” Bednarik and Mary “Pug” Jones (Bill); her grandchildren Andrew Wrenn (Hannah), and Aurelia Wrenn.
Many Clan Wallace Society members will remember Barbara. She, and husband Charlie, were very active in the early days of Clan Wallace, being Council Members number 33 and 34. Charlie was an early Newsletter Manager, and Barbara contributed to his articles. She helped Charlie at the many Scottish Games, and actively recruited many Conveners. Barbara will be remembered with great fondness by her local, and Clan Wallace friends.
Services were held for friends and family at Lee Funeral Home, Inc., 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd., Clinton, MD, 20735, Thursday December 23rd, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.  Burial was at Cheltenham Veteran’s Cemetery, attended by immediate family.

2021 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games July 8th-11th

Stop by and visit Clan Wallace at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, July 8th to the 11th, in tents 1-19 and 2-21.

Tickets are available at the gate on the day of the events.  For more info visit their website here https://gmhg.org/

 

Dorothy Jean (nee Wallace) Knight

Dorothy Jean (nee Wallace) Knight

It is with deep sadness, that we announce the passing of Dorothy on Friday, February 12, 2021. She is now reunited with her beloved husband and best friend Norman (2014). Loving mother of Craig (Mimi), Norma Jean Weaver (Mike Lozonski) (late Brian Weaver) and Jon (Heather). Proud Grandma of Steven Knight (Jessica), Jennifer Rennison (Chris), Sara Weaver Longden (Paul), Terri Lapain (Jason), Heather Douglas (Mike) and Daniel Knight (Kristie) and 11 great grandchildren. Dearest sister of Marion Sheridan (late Bob), Helen Fenner (late Bill), Shirley Blackwell (late Munro), late Catherine Brown (Craig) and sister-in-law of late Ethel Webster (late Jack), late Allan Knight (late Virginia), late Pvt. Roger Knight, late Earl Knight (Eadie) (late Grace), late Cliff “Max” Knight (Claire) and Jane Skerritt (late Ted). Many nieces and nephews also survive. Dorothy retired from Sun Parlour School after 20 years teaching mentally challenged children. She was also a CNA graduate. Dorothy was a member of the Woodslee United Church. She was an active member of the Clan Wallace Society world-wide, where she held the office of Commissioner to Canada and convenor. She and Norm enjoyed their many travels to Scotland, U.K., Australia, New Zealand and Italy. She enjoyed needlework, gardening and was an avid history reader.

Harry A Wallace III

S/Sgt HARRY A. WALLACE III, aka G or Wally, went on a Great Adventure on March 15, 2020.   He was really excited about being reunited with his mother,  Libbo (Elisabeth Mathews);  father, Harry Jr.;  brother, William B. Wallace; and his wonderful grandparents.

He loved his life on earth and felt like he was the most blessed man ever to be.   He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years: Buffy (Merrill); children:   Dr. Mary Buffington Jenkins (Button), Harry A., IV (Scotty or Poppy), Elizabeth Becker (Liza) and Matthew M. He loved their spouses: Greg, Catherine, Frank and Tessie.   Also, he LOVED the grandchildren to the highest degree: Sam and Will Jenkins;  Harry, James and Mary Charles Wallace;  Frank J., Katherine and Wally Becker and young Smith Wallace; and his sister, Lavender.   He loved his delightful sister, Dolly (Hartman); and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as multiple nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Actually, he cared for people of all sizes, shapes, ages and walks of life.   He loved his employment: 31 years as a stock broker and an additional 22 years as an insurance agent with a little real estate, and teaching on the side.   His hobbies were many, but mostly boating and gardening, baseball, reading, watching his grandchildren play sports and all things Scottish:  games, bagpipes and Scotch whiskey.

He attended Charleston High School, Kentucky Military Institute, Kimball Union Academy, Babson College and the University of Virginia School of Business.   He was a long-time member of Christ Church United Methodist and the Charleston Boat Club and he was a Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club.   Additionally, he was a council member of the Clan Wallace Society, joining in 1967 and served as the second president on the society board of directors.

He served in the Army Reserves, on the Kanawha County Board of Education,  the Spring Hill Cemetery Board, the WV Wesleyan College Board of Trustees, and as President of the Clan Wallace Society International.   He liked the Boy Scouts, the U.S. Army and many other local organizations,  including the Children’s Home Society and the Charleston Light Opera Guild.

In lieu of flowers,  give your wait staff a big tip,  because “they are working their way through college.”

A graveside service was held with immediate family on March 18 and a Celebration of Life will be planned when all of WCF (Wally’s Circle of Friends) can get together without social distancing.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com

Published in Charleston Gazette-Mail on Mar. 22, 2020

Frank Wallace Leslie 1954 – 2020

Frank Wallace Leslie
1954 – 2020

Frank Wallace Leslie, age 66, of Kempner, Texas passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020. Frank was born October 6, 1954 in Newark, Ohio to parents Henry and Elsie Leslie.

Mr. Leslie served his country honorably in the United States Army for 21 years before his retirement. During his time served, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and several others. After his retirement from the Army, Frank worked as a Test Support Specialist for Civil Service. Frank was also active in the Mount Hiram Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star. In his free time, Frank liked to participate in competitive shooting, watching the Highland games, war gaming, learning history, and especially enjoyed his Single Malt Saturdays.

In 1977, Frank married the love of his life, Wynona Lynne. Together they shared 43 years of marriage.

Frank is survived by his wife, Wynona “Lynne” Leslie; daughter Sheryl Lynne Leslie; and son Jason Christopher Leslie and wife,Tiffany as well as nine grandchildren; Austin Armstrong, Angel Armstrong, Mark Armstrong, Sebastian Leslie, Kaylee Leslie, Baylee Leslie, Jonathan Leslie, Christian Leslie, Jacquylyn Bicknell.

64th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (NC) was held on July 11,12,13,14, 2019. Overcast skies for most of the weekend, but the sun did come out to greet the ninety nine clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them. Also at the games are Scottish Tartan Museum, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations and Scottish Culture and St. Andrews Society of Upper South Carolina. Russ and Marcia Harper along with Larry and Judy Slight hosted the Clan Wallace tents.

These games are held at MacRae meadow on Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. Thursday night Russ did the calling of, the Clan. Wallaces cheered as he yelled FREEDOM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Special guest with us this weekend was President Karen Wallace and her husband Charles. Lots of Wallaces attended this weekend actives, Past President Larry Slight and Treasurer Judy Slight, Mark Clifford, John and Sally Wallace and family, Judy Wallace Moore and family, Terry and Kelly Wallace, Susanne Dykes, Glen Wolfe, Mary Jo Hutchinson, Linda Tyrell and Granddaughter Samantha Matson alone with many more.

One of the special events that took place at the Wallace tent was that the Past President, Russ Harper presented the new President, Karen Wallace with the presidential metal, symbolling the passing of the torch from one to the other.

We had a special guest at the Games this year is Clan Chief Arabella Kincaid of Kincaid.

The 2019 Bear Run, part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, started in Linville Thursday night and concluded at the top of Grandfather Mountain. Over 867 runners started the race and ranged in age from 8 to 80.

Our thanks to the many that came out and enjoy the weekend with us. Without YOU there is no Clan Wallace. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

Contributed by Marcia Harper

Major CJ Wallace, Canadian Army, retired, 1976 – 2000

Major CJ Wallace, CD, BA, BAS, plsc Canadian Army retired, 1976 – 2000

CJ was commissioned from the ranks as an infantry cpl to infantry officer. Reclassified to intelligence officer and became the Army Chief Interrogator. Medically released due to wounds. Retired as major.

CJ joined the Clan Wallace Society in 2011.

For your service and sacrifice CJ, the Clan Wallace Society salutes you.

Smokey Mountain Highland Games

The Smokey Mountain Highland Games (TN) was held on May 18-19, 2019.  These games are held at the campus of Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee.   Sunny skies and 95 degree weather for the weekend. Forty nine clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.

The entertainment included the Colin Grant Adams, Seven to the Sea, MacGilliossa, The Piper Jones Band, Highland Reign, The Celtic Martins, Alabannach, Good Thymes Ceilidh Band, The Celtic Martins.  The Games included heavy athletics, kilted run, Children’s Highland games competition, and Border Collie Demonstration.  The vendors at the games included, Near and Far, The Gaelic Shop, The Celtic Knot, Highland Kilt Company, the Scots Corner.

Thanks to all that came out and enjoyed the weekend with us.

Contributed By Marcia Harper

19th Annual Bethabara Highland Games

The Bethabara Highland Games (NC) was held on May 4, 2019.  Overcast skies and 80 degree was the weather of the day.   There were eighteen clan tents participating and Clan Wallace was among them.  Russ and Marcia Harper hosted the Clan Wallace tent.  Also on tent row was, “SAMS” the Scottish American Military Society, Council of Scottish Clans and Society, and the Forsyth County Genealogical Society.

These games are held at Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  The Highland Games at Historic Bethabara Park are held to pay respect to the heritage of the early Scots and Scots-Irish pioneers who helped and guided the Moravians in their settlement of the Wachovia tract.  This game is free and open for the enjoyment of the public.

The entertainment included the Jamestown Pipes and Drum and North Carolina State Pipeband.  The Games included heavy athletics, Children’s Highland games competition, Children’s Colonial Games and storytelling, Border Collie Demonstration.  The vendors at the games included  Near and Far Scottish,  Scottish Leather, Kelpie Pottery, Carolina Celt, and  Lumpy’s Ice Cream.

Thanks to all that came out and enjoyed the day with us.

Contributed By Marcia Harper