Dr. William J. Wallace

Dr. William J. Wallace, 89, of New Concord, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on November 10, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with bladder cancer.

Bill was born on July 27, 1935, in Knoxville, Tennessee. As a young boy, he was raised in Clinton, Tennessee.  He became a member of the Boy Scouts, and actively supported scouting organizations in the New Concord area. Bill played the clarinet throughout high school, college, and eventually with the Southeastern Ohio Symphony.

Bill pursued his education at Carson-Newman Baptist College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in three years in chemistry. His desire for knowledge led him to Purdue University, where he earned his Doctorate of Chemistry under his Major Professor, Nobel Prize winner H.C. Brown. Following his academic achievements, Bill was employed as a Chemistry Professor at the University of Mississippi, where he served for three years, and then came to Muskingum University in New Concord, where he dedicated forty-two years before retiring in 2001 as Professor Emeritus.

Bill’s research was extensive, leading him to publish in numerous journals.  He conducted research in places including Oak Ridge National Laboratories, as well as NASA-Lewis Research Center. He spent a year at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and four summers at Florida State University. He also accompanied his wife on a trip to Beijing, China. Bill established the Wallace Award at Muskingum University for aspiring Juniors and Seniors majoring in Chemistry.

Bill was a former member of the Baptist Church in Cambridge, where he served as a deacon and adult Sunday school teacher for numerous years. He was also a member of the New Concord United Methodist Church. His commitment to service extended to the New Concord Lions Club and the Southeast Ohio Celtic Society, and he served as president in both organizations.

Bill cherished his time spent outdoors taking care of his vegetable gardening and tending to his rose garden. He enjoyed canoeing with his family at Salt Fork Lake, camping across the country, and playing cards, especially bridge and euchre.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dr. Julia Alayne (Wehner) Wallace, whom he married on December 31, 1958 in the historic Wirt Baptist Church in Jefferson County, IN.  Bill is also survived by his two daughters, Dr. Nora (Dr. Gerald Lushington) Wallace and Lisa Renee Wallace; his grandson, Thomas H. W. Lushington; his sister, Dorothy A. Wallace Howell; his nieces, Wendy A. McClure and Laura (Michael Kaufman) McClure.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Clara and George McClure; his brother, Homer H. Wallace Jr; and a brother-in-law, Bill Howell.

Visitations will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord, 63 West Main Street, New Concord, OH 43762. A graveside service will follow at 3 pm at the New Concord Cemetery.  Reverend Philip Wilden will officiate the service.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the New Concord United Methodist Church, 20 East High Street, New Concord, OH 43762.

www.farusfh.com