Disc Golf Legend 'Old Man' Wallis Passes Away at 73

The disc golf world is mourning the loss of Bill "Old Man" Wallis, a pillar of the community who brought warmth, kindness, and dedication to every aspect of his life. At just 73 years young, Wallis passed away peacefully at his home in Illinois after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill's love affair with disc golf began in 1986 when his son Wilbur introduced him to the sport at Bradley Park in Peoria, Illinois. From that moment on, he was hooked, and his passion for the game only grew stronger as he made friends with fellow players and began traveling to tournaments. His vision was not just to play, but to give back to the community, which led him to host his own disc golf tournament, the Greater Peoria Open, in 1998.

As a volunteer, Wallis's impact on the sport cannot be overstated. He directed six consecutive USWDGCs from 2002 to 2008 and received the Brent Hambrick Tournament Director of the Year Award for his tireless efforts to grow women's disc golf. In recognition of his dedication, he and his wife Mary Ann were awarded honorary Eagle Club memberships in 2017, a rare honor bestowed upon only one other person, "Steady" Ed Headrick.

After retiring from the workforce, Wallis and his wife continued their volunteer work by traveling to PDGA Major events, where they would lend a hand and share their love of the game with others. This commitment earned them numerous awards and accolades, including the PDGA's Volunteer of the Year award in 2013. In 2019, Bill and Mary Ann were inducted into the Illinois Disc Golf Hall of Fame, alongside other disc golf legends.

What made Wallis truly special, however, was his kind heart and warm demeanor. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and included, often greeting newcomers with a hug and sharing his famous terrible jokes to lighten the mood. His love of people and his generosity inspired countless individuals in the disc golf community, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will be deeply missed.

Wallis is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, their sons Wilbur and Chuck, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disc Golf Foundation or UnityPoint Hospice, both organizations close to Wallis's heart. The PDGA staff and Board of Directors extend their deepest condolences to the Wallis family, knowing that "Old Man" will always be remembered as a true disc golf legend.

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