Wallace William “Wally” McTaggart, 95, of San Mateo, passed from this life on Monday, September 19, 2022 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Wally moved to Melbourne, Florida where he graduated from high school in 1945. He then enlisted in the armed forces, serving honorably first in the U.S. Army and then in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Following his time in service to country, Wally then began work as an electric motor repair and rewinder with Reliable Electric Co. in Melbourne and then with the Florida East Coast Railroad in St. Augustine as a mechanical draftsman and assistant mechanical engineer. During this time, he was studying and graduated from the International Correspondence School of Industrial Engineering in 1959. Wally moved to Palatka in 1961 to work at Hudson Pulp and Paper Company (Georgia Pacific) where he worked 31 years, retiring in 1992 as a Senior Industrial Engineer. Wally was a dedicated servant of his Lord and Master at the First Baptist Church of Palatka where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir. He had played the violin both solo and in orchestras at various churches. He had also served as a church treasurer and deacon officer. Wally was likewise involved in the community as a member of the Azalea City Kiwanis Club where he became a member in 1963 and served as Vice President in 1968 and on the Board of Directors numerous times. He was a Legion of Honor Member for his many years of service in Kiwanis. Wally was also a senior member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers and served as President of the Northeastern Florida Chapter #27 for the year 1970-71. He also had been active in the Christian Coalition and was involved in the St. Johns Investment Club.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Dorothy McTaggart, his parents, Clifford and Cora McTaggart, 3 siblings, Bernice “Bunny” Kotarski, Ronald McTaggart and David McTaggart.
Wally is survived by 2 daughters, Susan Scheer and Debra Manderville (David Blair) and a son, David McTaggart (Shawn), 9 grandchildren, Christopher McTaggart, Stephen McTaggart, Keaton McTaggart, Carrigan McTaggart, Destin Manderville, Shelby Scheer, Drew Scheer, Gracie Jordan, Eli Jordan and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services celebrating Wally’s homegoing will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 23, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Palatka with Pastor Ron Smith and Dr. Robert J. Mills officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill West Cemetery with the U.S. Army conducting military honors. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00 until the time of services at 2:00 P.M.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent in Wally’s memory to the First Baptist Church, 501 Oak St., Palatka, FL 32177, or Azalea City Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 508, Palatka, FL 32178 or Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, Palatka, Fl 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Wally’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.