William "Bill" John Wallace

William “Bill” John Wallace passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 18, 2026, in South Portland, Maine, shortly after his 89th birthday. A man of immense imaginative talent and creativity, Bill spent his life capturing the world’s beauty through his art and faith.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Tacony and Bristol Township, Bill’s path was shaped by his artistic talent and faith. After graduating from the Philadelphia Museum College of Art with a Bachelor’s of Art, he served in the Army’s Armor Division, where he learned to drive a tank. Following his service, he joined Boeing Vertol’s helicopter division as a graphic illustrator, rendering images of aircraft. It was there that he learned the art of air-brushing, and cut-away illustrations that showed both interior and exterior in the same picture. His ability to see beyond the surface was a hallmark of his lifelong career.

As a lover of flight, his adventurous spirit flowed into his art, and extended to the skies. Bill became a pilot and frequently flew a Cessna 172, and enjoyed visiting the country in his RV. His professional journey eventually led him to Massachusetts, where he worked for Atkins & Merrill and later became a successful freelance illustrator. Over the course of his career, his work extended to projects for energy information centers throughout New England and the creation of multiple realistic life-size diorama backdrops for the African Exhibit at the Ecotarium in Worcester, MA. As a devout Christian, Bill also led his "Art For Christ" ministry, using his talent to produce grand biblical scenes including his well-known "Lion and Lamb" and the 4X8 "John 3:16" illustration. After moving to Rockland, Maine in 1992, he opened "Pathways Gallery" in his home, where he painted more religious works, church murals, Maine ocean-scapes, New England barns and animals.

The oldest of six children, Bill leaves behind a large and loving family. He is survived by his partner, Kecia Fenderson, and her daughters, Tamara Smith, Tina Leclerc, Tracy Tosi, and Sarah Haskell. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shereen and Richard Brinkmann and their sons, Matt and Jeremy; his son and daughter-in-law, Will and Nuray Wallace, and their daughters Anya and Ava; and his three brothers and their spouses: Bob and Janice Wallace, Dave and Carol Wallace, and Jack and Marlane Wallace. He is predeceased by his brother Jim, and sister Sue.

Though his final years were challenged by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Bill’s family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace. He spent his life illustrating the world for others to see and he now rests in the presence of the God he so faithfully served.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at Pemaquid Point on May 16th 2026, time TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in Bill’s memory at https://alzfdn.org/donate/.