William Ross Wallace

William Ross Wallace, of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 7, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. William was born on March 11, 1949 and was 73 years old at the time of his passing at his home in Jacksonville, FL. Bill (as he liked to be called) was a beloved son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend.

A star baseball player for Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Bill went on to play college baseball at the University of Iowa. It was during his time at Iowa that Bill met the love of his life and eventual wife of 52 years, Micki, an achievement that in his eyes far outweighed any from his baseball career. His playing days eventually ended but his love for his family never waned.

Simply put, to know Bill was to love Bill. He carried a warmth with him everywhere he went, a warmth that wasn’t diminished despite a disease robbing him of much of his strength towards the end. He felt that kindness wasn’t something to be shared with a select few, but a light that could be shone on everyone, at every opportunity. Bill loved Iowa Hawkeye sports, Twins baseball, and Jaguars football. He loved trivia, crossword puzzles, books, and anything else that would keep his mind sharp. He especially loved music and could often be found stating that Pink Floyd was his favorite band, despite us all knowing the Rolling Stones held that honor. And he loved Golf. Man, did he love golf. Some of his fondest memories took place on the golf course and his love affair with the game had as much to do with spending time with those close to him as it did the game itself.

Bill’s favorite pastime, though, was anything to do with his family. Sunday night barbecues, trips to St. Simon’s, Napa Valley, or Asheville, or even just a quiet afternoon on the couch. If it involved family, Bill was there, and he was enjoying himself. Those times will never be quite the same without his warmth, unique sense of humor, and tendency for random shenanigans, but the memory of them, and him, will live on forever.

Bill was predeceased by his father John Wallace. He is survived by his mother Wanda “Amy” Wallace, his loving wife Micki, their children Kristin (Mike) Morrison and Tom (Kristin), his siblings Scott (Suzy) Wallace and Nancy Wallace, his grandson Devin Collins, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Wallace family.