Robert J. Wallis

December 10, 2020

Robert J. Wallis, 88, passed away on December 10, 2020. He was a mechanical engineer for General Electric’s television division. Born in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late John Wallis and Anna Slifka Wallis. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Schweinberger Wallis, his son, John R. Wallis, and his sister Elizabeth Wheaton. Dad was a graduate of Central High School and received his Bachelor of Engineering, magna cum laude, in 1956 from Syracuse University. Following his early retirement at 53 when GE’s television division closed, he remained active in GE’s Elfun Society, a community service organization. He enjoyed his weekly golf games with friends, going to the beach, and remained active in his line dancing group until a mild stroke sidelined him a few years ago. He loved attending Old Dominion University men’s basketball games, football tailgates, and concerts at Chartway Arena. Our dad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He cared for our mother through her long-term illness and the cancer that finally took her in 2007. He is survived by his son, David J. Wallis (Kim), daughter Donna W. Meeks (Frank), grandchildren Lauren Wallis, Katie Wallis and Jeff Meeks, and his niece Suzanne Wheaton Conway. The family held a private memorial on Christmas Eve with the spreading of our Dad’s ashes with those of our mother and brother. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Old Dominion University Athletic Foundation unrestricted fund at www.olddominionaf.com.