Rotary District Governor to visit Fort Smith

Wallace Williams, the district governor of Rotary International, will be in Fort Smith on Wednesday (Oct. 6) to speak during the noon meeting of the Fort Smith Rotary Club.

His term as district governor includes a focus on an “Adopt-a-Family” program. It’s part of his effort to embrace the overall Rotary theme “Building Communities Bridging Continents.” The Adopt-a-Family goal is for the 81 Rotary clubs in the district to help at least one family. Williams is often quoted as saying that if one family is adopted and helped to become self-sufficient, we will have made a difference in that community.

The Fort Smith Rotary Club has taken steps to adopt at least two families during the next year.

Williams grew up in Colquitt, Ga., and graduated from Bethel High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Savannah State College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He did graduate work at Georgia State University and the University of Phoenix where he received a master’s degree in organizational management.

Wallace served in the United States Army with a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon completion of his military service he was employed by Kraft Foods in Decatur, Ga. This launched a 36-year career in food manufacturing. He has held numerous management positions in Decatur, Springfield, Mo., and Tulsa, retiring from the Bama Companies, Inc. in 2005.

Wallace believes in being actively involved in his community. He has served with the following organizations: Youth Services of Tulsa, Goodwill Industries of Tulsa, Tulsa Partners Inc. and Board Chair of Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League. He is a member of Class 25 of Leadership Tulsa where he served as Class Marshall. He is a member of the Morning Star Baptist Church where he serves as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and President of the Brotherhood ministry.

Wallace began his Rotary service as a charter member of the Rotary Club of North Tulsa. He has served as president, sergeant-at-arms, and board chair and served three terms as assistant district governor of District 6110.