- Date Of Birth: September 9, 1926
- Date Of Death: August 14, 2011
- State: Michigan
FILLINGHAM, Wallace Wally F., Portage, MI. Went to be with God on August 14, 2011. Wallace was born September 9, 1926 in Geneva, New York, a son of Clayton and Julia Dutcher Fillingham. During WWII, he served with the U.S. Army. On August 29, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Sawyer.
They moved to Kalamazoo where Wally attended Western Michigan University on the GI Bill. He began his teaching career at Grand Rapids Central High School where he also coached baseball. In 1964, Wally accepted a teaching position at W.M.U. in the Department of Engineering Technology, retiring in 1986. He was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. He enjoyed being involved at all levels, honored to take a leadership position or mow the grass. Being a member of the Lions Club also allowed him to fulfill his love for helping others. After retirement, Wally was busy with Meals on Wheels, Peer Prevention Players, Portage Senior Center, and Therapeutic Humor.
He loved playing softball, and in his younger years, his abilities as a pitcher earned him the nickname “Ace”. While teaching at Western, he played racquetball and got much enjoyment out of being challenged by his students. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie J. Fillingham on May 30, 2000; and 2 brothers, Harvey and Arthur.
Wally is survived by 2 children, BarbaraMichael Blowers of Portage and Donald Ellen Fillingham of Paw Paw; 6 grandchildren, Amy Avis, Paul Angie Blowers, Ryan Blowers, Don and Kate Fillingham, Emily Rich Pyne; 3 great-grandchildren, Brady Fillingham, Luke Blowers and Audri Pyne; a brother William of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews. Wally was known for using the expression “Bless your heart” to anyone who showed an act of kindness. A quote from him, “I gave and gave and always got back more than I could give”. He taught his family that “doing things right is its’ own reward”.
