Michael Ewing Wall

Michael Ewing Wall passed peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a life long resident of Portsmouth, Virginia; a city he enjoyed and cherished. He was a steady and loving presence in the lives of his daughter and his grandchildren.
Michael was born in Lumberton, North Carolina but moved to Portsmouth at an early age with his parents. A graduate of Western Branch High School, he went on to attend Eastern Kentucky University and then University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He began his career as a housing inspector for the city of Portsmouth. After this, he spent the remainder as a home heating oil salesman which he thoroughly enjoyed and brought much fulfillment to him over the years. Treatment from throat cancer led to an early retirement from Domestic Industries.
His love of country, rockabilly, R&B and roots music led to a local radio show on WFOS in 1999. He helped establish a thriving local music scene as an ambassador for many obscure and unpretentious regional bands locally and from across the country. The music had to be authentic and it had to have soul. He was a lover of small venues and said "No good show takes place beyond the 10th row". Radio was a favorite form of entertainment. Transistor, car, clock, or shortwave it allowed him to tune into his favorite DJs from across the country. His enthusiasm and involvement in the local music scene led to many valuable life long friendships. Mike loved road trips and local history. He was a great conversationalist because he was truly interested in what you had to say.
In later years side effects from his original cancer treatment caused challenges that he met with perseverance, strength, tenacity, resilience and grace. He continued to embrace life with full enthusiasm and gratefulness.
Michael is preceded in death by his loving parents James Ewing Wall and Rosa Lee Davis. Also by his beloved nephew Jeremy Tucker Jones.
His survivors include wife, Nadezhda Malyasheva Wall; daughter Lydia S. Wall (Carl R. Lollis); grandchildren Carl Raymond Lollis Jr., Cassidy Lee Lollis, and Cai Michael Lollis; sister Pam W. Joyce (Michael Joyce); niece Katie S. Waters (Eric Waters). Also left to mourn his loss is life long friend and confidant Rick Burnell, Holly Wall, and Marty Jones. He had so many great friends who are left to cherish his memory.