Roger Leslie Wallace

Roger Leslie "Bud" Wallace of Albuquerque, NM, died at age 95, on December 2, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joycelyn Carmena Wallace; his brother Jack Edward Wallace and wife Jacqueline Sciaky Wallace; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Bud was born on January 8, 1930, in Springfield, MO, to Albert Leslie Wallace and Geraldine Schmitt Wallace. He grew up in Jefferson City, MO, spending summers with his mother's family in Chicago, IL. After studying engineering for two years at the University of Missouri, Bud transferred to the University of Florida where he earned a degree in Building Construction from the School of Architecture in 1951. He then served for two years as a 1st lieutenant in the US Air Force at the missile test facility at Cocoa Beach, FL.

Bud began his long career in the building materials industry as a regional sales representative for US Gypsum, Inc. While based in Houston, TX, he met Joycelyn. They married in 1958 when Bud was promoted to company headquarters in Chicago. He rose from marketing to management and co-founded subsidiary corporation, L & W Supply. After 18 years in Chicago, Bud's career took the Wallace family to Cleveland, OH, where he was president of Norandex Aluminum, Inc. In 1985 Bud and Joycelyn moved to Albuquerque, and Bud ran the Centex Gypsum Company until he retired in 1994. During their almost fifty years of marriage, Bud and Joycelyn lived in seven houses. Bud designed and built four of them.

By nature, Bud was reserved yet always ready with a witty comment or amusing story. Throughout his life, he contributed his time to professional and community organizations and made lasting friendships wherever he lived. He was an avid, low handicap golfer from his teens through his eighties, started skiing in his thirties, earned a pilot's license in his forties, and learned to sail in his fifties. Bud remained active until his final days, following current events, completing jigsaw puzzles, and riding his tricycle around the neighborhood.

Bud is survived by son Jack Wallace and partner Vivien Allan of South Burlington, VT; daughter Georgia Wallace Helmich and husband Dennis Helmich of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren Margaret Wallace Maloney and husband Ryan Maloney, and Charles, James, and Laura Helmich; numerous nieces and nephews; and long-time companion, Earlyn Hart of Columbia, MO.

A private service was held in the Centennial Garden of Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.