William Wallace Vernon Sr.

William "Wallace" Vernon lived a life defined by faith, family, and service. He passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 86, leaving a legacy reflected in the family he cherished, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he influenced.

Wallace was born on March 1, 1940, in Snyder, Texas, to Alfred and Ollie Vernon. He grew up in Snyder, graduating from Snyder High School in 1958. Through First Baptist Church of Snyder, he became active in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Life Scout. Those early experiences shaped the character that would define his life: faith, humility, integrity, leadership, and a heart for serving others.

Wallace attended San Angelo Junior College before earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 1963.

In 1960, Wallace married the love of his life, Emmadell Ewing. Together they built a home centered on faith, generosity, and service while raising a family rooted in those same values. Their marriage of sixty-two years touched countless lives.

In 1966, he earned his Certified Public Accountant designation and accepted an opportunity with Ray Lott in Killeen. That opportunity grew into Lott, Vernon & Company, where he built a distinguished career before retiring as a partner in 2006. Following retirement, Wallace remained active as a business owner, investor, and leader in several businesses, continuing to share his wisdom and experience with others.

Wallace and Emmadell were blessed with three children, William (Bill), Katherine (Kathi), and Patricia (Patti), and later the joy of eight grandchildren. Family was always at the center of Wallace's life. He delighted in traveling with his grandchildren, encouraging their education, sharing his faith, and celebrating every accomplishment. To them, he was a loving grandfather, trusted advisor, patient teacher, and unwavering source of encouragement.

Although Wallace enjoyed a successful professional career, his true life's work was serving others. A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Killeen, he believed every child deserved the opportunity to succeed, and every community was stronger when people invested in one another.

One organization held a particularly special place in his heart: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. Beginning with the Killeen Boys Club in 1967, Wallace devoted decades of leadership, financial stewardship, and personal service to helping the organization grow. He helped acquire property, establish new club locations, raise funds, and provide financial leadership that allowed the organization to expand its impact across Central Texas. His leadership helped create opportunities for thousands of young people to learn, grow, and realize their potential. In 2011, Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented Wallace with its Champion of Youth Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to the organization and the young people it serves. More meaningful to Wallace than any award was the opportunity to help young people realize their potential.

His commitment to serving others extended throughout the community. Wallace dedicated countless hours to the Killeen Noon Lions Club, Killeen Jaycees, Heritage Foundation of Killeen, Food Care Center of Killeen, Texas Chargers, Killeen ISD Community Education Advisory Council, and numerous other civic and charitable organizations. He participated in medical mission trips to Honduras, Belize, and the Dominican Republic, assisted with hurricane and disaster relief efforts, and quietly supported causes that strengthened families and improved the lives of others.

Those who knew Wallace will remember a man of quiet strength, steady wisdom, unwavering faith, and extraordinary generosity. He lived each day with humility and a servant's heart, never seeking recognition for the good he did, Wallace leaves behind a family who cherished him deeply, a community strengthened by his dedication, and generations of young people whose lives were enriched by his guidance, encouragement, and example.

Wallace was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emmadell Vernon; his parents, Alfred and Ollie Vernon; and his brothers, Gene, Douglas, and Charles Vernon. He is survived by his son, William Vernon, Jr. and his wife, Becky; his daughters, Katherine Barksdale and her husband, David, and Patricia Cummins and her husband, Gene; his cherished grandchildren, William Vernon III, Sarah Vernon, Victoria Barksdale, Alexandra Barksdale, Cole Barksdale, Dawson Barksdale, Elijah Cummins, and Isaac Cummins; his sister, Kathi Crump; his brother, Kenneth Vernon; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and countless individuals whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and example.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Killeen on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM at First Baptist Church of Killeen. Burial will follow at Live Oak Cemetery in Youngsport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church of Killeen. 3310 S. WS Young Dr. Killeen, TX 76542.

Crawford- Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen is handling arrangements.