Brian Keith Wall

Brian Keith Wall, 64, passed peacefully from this life on February 16, 2023. Brian was born on March 13, 1958 in Virginia Beach, the son of Edward and Rebecca “Ann” Wall. One year before graduating from Kempsville High School in 1976, he met the love of his life, Cindy (Braa), while playing pool at Forbes. They married in 1980.

Even as a teenager, Brian loved to be on the water. After high school, he moved to South Louisiana to work as a commercial diver, because diving would allow him to pursue his dream to live on a sailboat. Together, he and Cindy built the Gallivant, a 35-foot monohull, and they spent several years sailing throughout Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas.

In 1988, they moved back to Hampton Roads to be closer to their families, and to start one of their own. With Cindy’s encouragement, Brian went to Old Dominion University to earn his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated summa cum laude in May 1993; five months later, their daughter, Sarah, was born. In 1995, the family was complete with the birth of their son, Bryce.

Brian spent his 26-year engineering career at PACE Collaborative, retiring as Principal and Vice President in September 2019. He decided to retire a few years early, not because he wanted to leave the career he loved, but because he had deferred his dream of sailing full-time for long enough. He and Cindy spent many weeks and months sailing the Chesapeake Bay, the U.S. East Coast, the Florida Keys, the Eastern Caribbean, and more onboard the Gallivant II.

While many knew about his love for boating, sailing, and fishing, and still more saw his talent as an engineer, Brian was also quietly devoted to furthering the Kingdom of Heaven. He was committed to tithing generously to the Church and to countless Christian missions and organizations, especially Union Mission, a Norfolk-based shelter for unhoused men, women, and families. His generosity over many years left a lasting impact on hundreds of lives, to the glory of God.

Brian is survived by his mother; his devoted wife of 42 years; his two loving children; his future son-in-law, Michael; and many nieces, nephews, siblings-in-law, cousins, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his father, Ed; his sister, Lisa; and her husband, Steve. While he is gone too soon, we are confident in the hope of the Resurrection, and we joyfully await the day we will see him again.

Brian’s Going Home Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 11 at Kempsville Presbyterian Church at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Union Mission, Norfolk VA. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.