from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — William K. Wall, 97, died June 29, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 7, 1921, to Hester (Kuntz) and Lester Wall in Richwood, Ohio. He enjoyed idyllic childhood summers in Dayton, Ohio, in the loving care of his grandparents, Dooney (Nicholas J. Kuntz) and grandma Kuntz (Anna Browne). His lifelong passion for horses was fostered in this environment, where his beloved Grandpa Dooney taught him to ride. Another love was ballroom dancing introduced to him by his doting aunts.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Mr. Wall served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in World War II.

After years of managing the family business, Richwood Lumber Co., his passion for horses won out. With his brother Nick, Wall Bros Stable was established in the late 1950s. Wall Bros Stable still exists today, owned and operated by Nick’s sons, Charlie Wall and Nick Wall Jr.

Mr. Wall trained harness horses for many decades, primarily based in Chicago, but campaigned coast to coast from Hollywood Park, Scioto Downs, and The Meadowlands. He won the inaugural pace at Scioto Downs in October 1959 with a horse fittingly named Bill Adios. Other top Standardbreds such as Adios Art, Dancers Image, Starglo Knight, and Sir Omaha were trained by Mr. Wall.

In his early sixties, Mr. Wall gave up racing and joined the Chicago Board of Trade where he traded commodities for 20 years.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Melissa (David) Slutzky, Mary (Ray Goldstein), and Katherine (George) Boehm; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and siblings, Anabel Sult, Nicholas (Dottie), and Dr. Lester. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 57 years, Virginia Douglas Wall; and sister, Rosemary Taylor.

A service will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, on July 28 at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at The Marriott Hotel (University of Dayton) at 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy, Ohio. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fishercheneyfuneralhome.com.