Flowers of the Forest – Clan Wallace Society

Capt. John Wallace 1939 – 2024

Posted on 01/10/2024 by Scott Wallace

John Wallace

( March 24, 1939 – January 6, 2024 )

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

Posted on 01/16/2022 by Scott Wallace

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.

Dorothy Jean (nee Wallace) Knight

Posted on 02/15/2021 by Scott Wallace

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

Posted on 10/30/2020 by Scott Wallace

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

Posted on 10/28/2020 by Scott Wallace

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.

William St. Clair Wallace 1936 – 2018

Posted on 12/08/2018 by Scott Wallace

William “Bill” St Clair Wallace
1936- 2018

Bill passed away at his home in Gresham, Oregon on November 10, 2018. Born in Hood River, Oregon on February 22, 1936, he was the son of Lloyd M. and Eda P. Wallace.

Over the course of his adult life, Bill served in the U.S. Army, two of those years in Germany. Later in civilian life, he joined Clan Wallace Society, assisting at Games and convening on occasion. Bill was part of the group attending the Gathering in Estes Park in 2009. In addition to his Clan Wallace association, he was part of the Northwest Scots Honor Guard, including serving as commander, presenting our nation’s colors at parades and Scottish events across the Pacific Northwest.

Bill was married to his wife, Ada, for nearly 49 years. Bill is survived by four children: Greg, DeNeice, Angelia and Wayne, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held for Bill on December 2, 2018 at the Rockwood Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gresham.

William J. (Bill) Wallace 1942–2018

Posted on 04/24/2018 by Scott Wallace

William J. (Bill) Wallace

June 5, 1942 – April 15, 2018

The Clan Wallace Society (CWS) is sad to inform its members that we have lost another good friend. William (Bill) John Wallace passed away on the 15^th of April at the age of 75 after a year-long fight with pancreatic cancer, departing from “this life to more life.”

Bill was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the Army as a private, attended OCS and graduated a 2LT. In 1962, Bill met Norma Hoefer of Freeport, Illinois. They were married on June 6, 1964. Norma was the bedrock of his life. In the Gaelic, Norma was known as Bill’s anam cara (soul friend). Many times at CWS annual meetings and gatherings, you could see Bill and Norma walking hand-in-hand like they had just started dating, and they did so for their 53+ years of marriage.

With Norma at his side (sometimes figuratively), Bill completed two combat tours in Vietnam; one as a 1LT Infantry Heavy Mortar Platoon Leader; and one as a helicopter pilot with the rank of CPT. He also completed a three-year assignment to Saudi Arabia. Bill retired as Chief of Concepts and Studies Division, Director of Combat Development after 24 years in the Army with the rank of LTC.

Bill then worked in the Aerospace industry with McDonnel Douglas/Boeing for 16 years in management. He and Norma settled in Bend, Oregon in 2006.

In Central Oregon, Bill developed skills as an amateur photographer thanks to patient coaching by local professional photographers.

Bill was a Council Member of the Clan Wallace Society and was elected to the Board of Directors. During his nine (9) year tenure on the Board, he was the Treasurer, Executive Vice President, and President from 2007 through 2009.

Norma and Bill at the 2012 Calgary Gathering

Bill is survived by Norma and their sons William Wayne Wallace and family Rafif Jouejati and grandsons Adam Wallace and Ramsey Wallace of Virginia; and CSM Douglas Dwight Wallace and Nicole Nikrandt Wallace and grandson Cayden Wallace of Wisconsin.

A celebration of Bill’s life took place at the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary in Bend, OR on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Bill will be interred in the columbarium of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a future date to be announced. Bill will be greatly missed by his loving wife Norma and their family and friends. He will also be missed by his CWS family. We bid farewell to a good man and a good friend.

William (Bill) Roy Bierwirth II 1953-2018

Posted on 01/25/2018 by Scott Wallace

William (Bill) Roy Bierwirth II
September 1953 – January 2018

The Clan Wallace Society (CWS) has lost another good friend.

William Roy Bierwirth II (Bill) passed away in Richmond, Virginia on January 15th. Bill was a CWS Council member for over 35 years and attended and convened many Scottish Games and Festivals in the Virginia area, where many members got to meet this likable man. Bill was active in several other organizations including the Scottish American Military Society; Saint Andrews Society of Richmond where he was Vice President; and the SAS’s in Knoxville and Williamsburg. He helped organize and was a past President of the Williamsburg Highland Games.

Bill was a graduate of East Michigan University and a member of the Army ROTC. He served during the Cold War as an Armor officer commanding a M-60 tank unit in West Germany. He was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Captain. The discipline and leadership skills honed during his military service were applied when he took on the challenge of teaching fourth graders at Richmond Preparatory Academy, his last and most enjoyable teaching position.
Bill is survived by his daughter Erin; son SSG. Sean J. Bierwirth (stationed in Germany); father William Roy Bierwirth I; brothers, Roy and Bruce; former wife and friend Christine; and four grandchildren, four nieces and seven nephews; and special friend, Kathleen Dart.

Bill was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother and a good friend. He will be dearly missed by his family, and his Clan Wallace Society family.

Ben Ray Howard 1941 – 2017

Posted on 07/01/2017 by Scott Wallace

Ben Ray Howard
1941 – 2017

Ben passed away on 18 June 2017 at the age of 76. He was born 20 March 1941 in Talladega, Alabama to Benjamin Franklin and Rachel Lucille (Hurst) Howard. He attended the Talladega City school system, graduating from Talladega High School in 1959. Ben attended Auburn University, Alabama for two years prior to enlisting in the Air Force. He had two AA degrees in Aircraft Maintenance and Instructor of Technology. He graduated from Park College in Parkville, Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Human Resources in 1984. He graduated from Golden Gate University San Francisco, California in 1987 with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Human Resources.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on 12 July 1961, serving on Air Force bases from Kansas to New York, New Hampshire, California, and Arizona. Additionally, he served overseas in the Philippine Islands, Guam, Okinawa, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. He arrived at Williams Air Force Base(AFB) in 1971. He would always say that when he drove through the main gate, he was “home”. There was a special vibe at “Willie” and he enjoyed his 11 years there very much. Beginning as a reciprocating engine mechanic, he later cross-trained into jet engines, became a Quality Control Inspector and spent the last four years of his career as a Field Training Master Instructor, retiring from active duty at Williams Air Force Base in August, 1981 as a Master Sergeant.

As a civilian, Ben worked for Garrett Turbine Engine Company for one year and from there returned as a Civil Service employee to Williams (AFB) in 1982. Upon Williams AFB closing in August, 1992, Ben transferred to Luke AFB, Arizona where he retired as Chief of Resources, GS-12, for the 56th Civil Engineering Squadron in March, 2007. He worked for the Department of the Air Force for over 44 years. Ben loved all things Scottish and loved aviation and military history. He was a lifetime member of Clan Wallace International through his great-grandmother, Bertha Wallace Howard. He was a lifetime member of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS), and for three years, served as Commander of the SAMS Color Guard. He was affectionately known as “Bubba”.

Ben was a devoted family man. He enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren whenever possible and when not, would make sure to phone them frequently. He loved to read and enjoyed travelling. But when a trip was over, he loved coming home. He always had a big smile on his face with a joke or story just waiting to be told. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Donna Kay Howard, and stepson, Steven Andrew Murray. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Kathryn Murray, daughters, Lisa Dianne Herren (Mitch) of Wichita, Kansas, Lori Lynn Miller (Craig) of Lawrence, Kansas, son, Scott G. Howard (Rachel) of Queen Creek, Arizona, daughter, Elizabeth Sheldon (Joseph) of Lincoln, Kansas, stepson, David Ryan Murray of Mesa, Arizona, 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and another great-grandchild due in October.

He was truly blessed. We love and miss you. God bless and keep you in his care. Forever loved. Never forgotten.

William “Bill” Hamilton Wallace 1922 – 2017

Posted on 04/26/2017 by Scott Wallace

William “Bill” Hamilton Wallace

1922 – 2017

The Clan Wallace Society has lost a good friend. William Hamilton Wallace passed away on March 3rd, nearly 95 years of age. He was born on a homestead ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. He lost his father when he was six. Sadly, they lost the ranch shortly thereafter, yet he retired at 62 financially independent.

Bill distinguished himself as an Eagle Scout, valedictorian of his senior class, and the fourth Arizonian to graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy. He married his college sweetheart, went to war, raised a family of five, and dared himself to start his own business.

But this is not his story. He built his life on hard work, keeping his word, and showing kindness to others. He was a grand gentleman and will be remembered as a good, honest and kind man.

He is survived by Laurie Wallace Herrero, Susan Mann, Alison Swanson, Hamilton Wallace, Jim Wallace, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Bill attended many Scottish Games, and several Clan Wallace Society Gatherings, where many members got to meet him and witnessed his very likeable demeanor. He will be dearly missed by his family, and his Clan Wallace Society family.