Wallace Frank Williams

Wally was born in Charlotte, NC, on March 3, 1931. He moved with his parents to Dallas, TX, at the age of five. After attending North Dallas High School, he was admitted to Southern Methodist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics. While studying at SMU, he married Marlene McQueen at the age of 19, all while working full-time with A&P Tea Company’s Jane Parker Baked Goods. After graduating, he returned to Charlotte, beginning a highly successful 30-year career as he climbed to upper executive levels, experiencing all phases of the grocery business, from bakery and food manufacturing to retail. Following his time at A&P, Wally spent time as a co-owner of Sav-A-Stop and was President of Piggly Wiggly stores in Albuquerque, NM. He even returned to A&P for a short while. After his first retirement, he joined his son in starting an automotive service center, which grew to nine stores in the Tampa, FL, area. Following another attempt at retirement at age 74, he became deeply involved with his wife, son and grandson in renting and selling RVs for twenty years.

Wally and Marlene renewed their wedding vows for their 75th anniversary on September 2, 2025.

Wally was active in his church, St. Catherine’s Episcopal in Temple Terrace, holding vestry positions and serving as head usher. Wally impacted everyone he met. One of his favorite quotes, hanging on his office wall for years was: “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable man adapts the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” – George Bernard Shaw.

Wally is survived by his wife, Marlene, his two children Suzanne and Walter, 4 grandchildren, Will, Katherine, Warren and Michelle; 6 great-grandchildren and 2-great-great children.

Services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 11:00 am at St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, 502 Druid Hills Rd Temple Terrace, FL 33617. Services will be led by Fr. James Reho, followed by family interment and reception.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Humane Society of Tampa.