Disc Golf Legend Bill 'Old Man' Wallis Leaves Lasting Legacy

Bill "Old Man" Wallis, a beloved figure in the disc golf world, passed away peacefully at home in Illinois after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 73 years old. Known for his warm hospitality and infectious enthusiasm, Bill embodied the spirit of community that defines disc golf.

It all began in 1986 when Bill's son Wilbur introduced him to the sport at Bradley Park in Peoria, Illinois. From that moment on, he was hooked. What started as a casual hobby soon turned into a passion that consumed his life. He spent countless hours on the course, not just playing but also volunteering and traveling to tournaments across the country.

Bill's dedication to disc golf knew no bounds. In 1994, he founded the Peoria Frisbee Club and successfully hosted Illinois' first A-Tier event with the Greater Peoria Open in 1998. Two years later, he brought the United States Women's Disc Golf Championships (USWDGC) to Peoria, making it the first PDGA Major held in the Prairie State.

Throughout his career, Bill received numerous accolades for his tireless efforts to grow and promote disc golf. In 2007, he was awarded the Brent Hambrick Tournament Director of the Year Award, and in 2013, he and his wife Mary Ann were recognized as the PDGA's Volunteers of the Year. Perhaps most notably, they were honored with lifetime honorary Eagle Club memberships in 2017 – a distinction shared by only one other person: disc golf pioneer "Steady" Ed Headrick.

After retiring from tournament directing, Bill and Mary Ann continued to volunteer at numerous PDGA Major events across the country. This allowed them to connect with old friends and make new ones, all while sharing their love for the sport they adored.

Bill's impact on Illinois disc golf was profound, but it was his kind heart that left an even more lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and included, often cracking jokes that could light up a room. Whenever you spoke with him, you knew you were among friends.

Sadly, Bill leaves behind a void in the lives of countless disc golfers around the world. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, sons Wilbur and Chuck, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disc Golf Foundation or UnityPoint Hospice.

The PDGA staff and Board of Directors extend their deepest condolences to the Wallis family, acknowledging that Bill's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time in disc golf. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/bill-old-man-wallis-1946-2019