Mr. Fountain Leroy “Roy” Wallace, 89, beloved husband of Vivian Cherrix Wallace and a resident of Wachapreague, passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. Born March 22, 1931, in Wachapreague, he was the only son of the late William Naaman Wallace and the late Margaret Phillips Wallace.
Displaying a life defined by duty, honor, and commitment, Roy proudly served and protected the citizens of his country and community. In 1949, Roy began his studies at the University of Virginia. Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the next three years, Roy was stationed aboard the buoy tender, CGC Madrona, as a gunner’s mate. Following honorable discharge in 1954, he and Vivian began their 66-year love story as husband and wife. In 1956, Roy graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and accounting and began his career in the U.S. government. In his first assignment with the general accounting office, commonly referred to as the investigative arm of Congress, Roy assisted in providing reliable, nonpartisan reporting on federal programs and activities to ensure accountability to the American people. He later transferred to the Department of Commerce, an executive department of the federal government focused on promoting economic growth.
Following retirement from government service, Roy returned to Wachapreague and continued his dedication to public service as the mayor of his hometown and as a volunteer with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He led the town for several terms, stepping down in 1988, when he became an officer of the auxiliary. Over the next 30 years, Roy worked his way through the ranks, becoming commodore for the 5th district to include Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and District of Columbia, a title he was most proud of achieving.
Roy always made time for Vivian, beginning with their courtship during college, where they frequented dances on the UVA campus. Over the years, they enjoyed weekend getaways, and especially looked forward to evenings on their back porch in the little city by the sea.
In addition to his parents, Roy was predeceased by his and Vivian’s only child, Michael Leroy Wallace. Left to cherish his memory along with his wife are his grandchildren, Danielle St. Clair and Zach Wallace; special cousins, Barbara Blair and her husband, Gene, Darlene Tilghman, and Kerry Wallace; brother-in-law, G. Thomas Cherrix and his wife, Caroline; niece, Susan Rosenberger, and her husband, Robbie; many other extended family members, as well as friends and colleagues.
Services will be conducted from the graveside at the Wachapreague Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at 2 p.m., with Vernon Bell officiating.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
