Celebrating the life of Walter "Bill" W. Wollam, Jr.
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Walter "Bill".
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Walter "Bill" W. Wollam, Jr.
Walter “Bill” W. Wollam, Jr. passed away at his home in Brookings, Ore. on July 20, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was 88. Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Illinois to Walter W., Sr. and Eunice (Caldwell) Wollam. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served for three years during WWII including combat service in the South Pacific, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bill married Doris Marie in 1945 and they recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Bill was a watchmaker, and he and Doris owned and operated jewelry stores in Azusa and Glendora, California. They retired in 1978 and moved to Brookings where Bill became an avid salmon and steelhead fisherman and was involved in the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. He enjoyed playing golf, and was an accomplished artist, doing woodworking, building furniture, and working with stained glass. In later years he became interested in compiling his personal and family histories, wrote memoirs, and enjoyed learning and using technology to collect, organize and preserve photos to share with future generations. He and Doris have been active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Crescent City for many years. Bill never liked to be idle and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Doris of Brookings, sons, Walter “Bill” Wollam III (Patrice) of Prescott, Ariz., Robert Wollam (Kathleen) of Smith River, Calif., daughters, Nancy Hazelett (Stafford) of Beaverton, Ore., Patty Egan (Brian) of Waldport, Ore., nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a sister, Margery Itzen of Brookings and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, pioneers in the Brookings-Harbor lily bulb industry, granddaughters Jessica and Tammy, and brother-in-law, Hank Itzen. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 188 E. Cooper Ave., Crescent City, CA 95531. A private family memorial service was held.
