Wichita County bids farewell to Willie Wall after 40 years on the job
Willie Wall spent 40 years working at the Wichita County Courthouse. That would be a full career for most people. But it was a second career for Wall, who has decided to finally retire at age 88.
Co-workers feted him at reception at the courthouse Tuesday.
Wall's job title was administrative assistant to the county judge, but during four decades of working deep in the engine of county government he contributed much more than the job title might imply.
"Before we had dedicated attorneys to help the court Willie would provide his input and he was right on. He is a tremendous scholar. He was tireless and meticulous and always made sure he presented the best information to the court," County Judge Woody Gossom said.
Gossom said Wall was always involved in budgets, financing and major building projects.
"He's always been such a constant resource. Whether you were a department head, an employee or an elected official, everyone had confidence in Willie to give advice," Gossom said.
"I was a little bit of everything - purchasing, personnel, budget," Wall said.
In addition to providing facts and figures to county leaders, he was never bashful about providing opinions.
"I don't like growth in government. I think the government tries to do too much. Regulations are terrible. A lot of it comes down to the county. We have to deal with things we used to not have to deal with," he said.
A Wichita Falls native, Wall was born in 1933 during the Great Depression. He said his family was "poor as church mice." One of his first jobs was as a paperboy, delivering newspapers on foot. Later he worked as an oilfield roustabout.
He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1952, when it was the only high school in the city and entered Texas A&M University on a scholarship at a time when enrollment required being in the ROTC program. He received a degree in engineering and entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant. While he was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan, and met Katy Lin, the woman who would be his wife for 55 years.
The couple were stationed at various locations and had two daughters. Wall picked up a master's degree in engineering from Texas Tech and retired as a major after 22 years of service. The couple returned to Wichita Falls in 1980. He got a master's degree in public administration from Midwestern State University and went to work for the county in 1982.
Wall had one serious scare during his local career. He was assaulted when he walked in on burglars at his home in April 2017. He was knocked unconscious and hospitalized but recovered and -- at age 83 -- returned to work.
"I wish I could have made 50 (years), but 40 is enough," Wall told well-wishers. "It's time for me to go an let brighter and younger hands take over and carry on the work."
Gossom said Wall's position will not be replaced. His duties will be absorbed by others on the staff.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita County bids farewell to Willie Wall after 40 years on the job
