Palestine High School Alumni Association

11 / 09 / 1928  –  09 / 15 / 2005

Wallace Reed Wilkerson died quietly on September 15, 2005 from natural causes.

Wally was born the youngest of four children to Herman and Willie Ella Wilkerson on November 9, 1928. He spent his youth in East Texas, building lifelong friendships, developing his wonderful sense of humor and artistic eye, and learning to fly piper cubs.

Wally moved to the Corpus Christi after completing an architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his tour of service with the U.S. Navy. He remained there building and running a professional engineering firm over the next five decades. His vocation was ensuring that structures were sound and strong. He remained proud of his contributions to Texas architecture.

He was a talented sketch artist, an avid bird hunter and an excellent cook. His works in pencil captured the spirit of buildings and landscape details and he enjoyed gifting and exhibiting his drawings. His cooking provided him with countless hours of enjoyment and many happy dinner guests.

Wally was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, a charter member of the CC Yacht Club, a member of the Heritage Society, and a supporter of many civic initiatives and projects.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June Marshall Wilkerson.

He is survived by his son, Marshall Reed Wilkerson; daughter, Amy Wilkerson; grandson, Marshall Reed Wilkerson Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Evedyne Wilkerson; sister, Mary Jo Martin; his in-laws, Kent, Cheryl and Jan Marshall; dear friend and companion, Rena Perry; his professional colleagues, Rod Garza and Keith Sanders; and many other close and loved friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on Monday, September 19, 2005 at 4 p.m., followed by a reception at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd or to the American Red Cross.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78410.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 09-18-2005