Wallace Wally S Lee

On Thursday, November 28, 2013 Wally passed in Anaheim, Ca., from complications of a heart attack, after 98 years of life.

Wallace “Wally” Shiu Wong Lee was born on October 19, 1915 in Tung Hing Village, Taishan, China to Hua Kang and Chow Fook Huang and was named Shui Poon Wong. He lived in Taishan for 15 years before moving to Hong Kong with his parents. Wally studied business at Wah Yan College of Hong Kong and was an excellent student and athlete, playing on the volleyball and basketball teams, and as a member of the track and field team.

In 1937, Wally married Mabel Lee on August 5, 1937 and their first son, Joe, was born two years later. In 1940, Wally immigrated to Tucson, AZ. Coming to America, he assumed the name Wallace Lee and worked for his father-in-law, Lee Ho, at Lee Ho’s Market, until joining the Army in 1942.

During WWII, Wally worked as a Message Center Chief and obtained the rank of Tech Sergeant. He served in the China Burma India Theater. He was honorably discharged in December 1945.

In 1947, as a war veteran, Wally was able to bring Mabel to America as his “war bride.” Their second son, Benjamin, was born in 1947, and the entire family was finally reunited when Joe came to America in 1956.

Wally became manager of the renamed family market, Jerry’s Lee Ho Market, and it became one of the most successful markets in Tucson. In 1960, Wally moved his family to Buena Park, CA where he became co-owner of his own store, Lee’s Market. Lee’s Market also thrived under Wally’s leadership.

During the government’s 1956 – 1965 amnesty “Confession Program”, Wally corrected his immigration name and relationship facts. Because of his military service, he was granted immediate naturalization with his new legalized name, Wallace Shiu Wong Lee in 1963.

After 38 years in the grocery store business, Wally retired and moved to Anaheim, CA. Wally started playing golf at age 70 and took a part-time job as a golf attendant at a local golf course. He loved the game of golf. He had a 14 handicap and his pals nicknamed him “Boomer” because of his long drives. He fully retired in 2007.

Mabel passed away in 2012 at the age of 92. The couple had been married for nearly 75 years. Wally spent his final years reading, enjoying crossword puzzles, gardening, cooking, and rooting for his favorite teams, the LA Angels and LA Lakers. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He lived independently, driving his beloved Cadillac, until his sudden passing at the age of 98.

Wally was an extremely intelligent and talented man. His advice and help was often sought, and he always responded – he even helped name babies for relatives. He excelled in most everything he encountered, whether in business, on the golf course, or for the U.S. Army. He had strong opinions and could debate any topic with anyone. He was well loved and respected by all.

Wally is survived by his two sons Joe Wong and Benjamin (Wilma) Lee. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Laurie (Mack) Amirpoor, Kevin (Lori) Lee, and Stacy Lee.

We will always remember Wally for his independence, intelligence, strength, hard work, and enduring spirit.

A viewing visitation was held from 9AM to 11:45 AM on December 7, 2013 at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Ca. The burial service was held on December 7, 2013 at 1PM at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Ca. The pallbearers were William Tom, Jeff Tom, Donovan Tom, Colton Tom, Mack Amirpoor and Kevin Lee. Veteran honors were provided at the internment site. An honor guard was present, taps were played and the flag was presented to Wally’s oldest son Joe Wong. Wally was interred next to his wife Mabel at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Ca. A celebration of life reception was held at East Gourmet Seafood Restaurant in Rosemead, California.