Williamstown — Clifford M. Wallace, 84, of Williamstown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospice with his wife and daughter by his side.
He was born February 17, 1940, to the late Bertha Peoples and Andrew Wallace. Cliff, a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, was a music educator, beginning his career as a band director at Campbell Co. High School and then at Grant Co., where he led the Blue Beret Marching Band to three Kentucky State Fair Marching Championships. He completed his Master’s Degree at EKU and Rank I administrator certification at Morehead State University. After serving a year as an assistant principal at Bryan Station High School, in Lexington, he came home to Pendleton County where he served as the high school principal (1972-1977), assistant superintendent (1978) and district superintendent until 1992. He worked with The Future Now company introducing technology into the K-12 classrooms across the state before returning in 1994 to his passion and becoming the superintendent of the Williamstown Independent School District where he served until 2002. Cliff was known as a visionary leader throughout his career. Professional learning was paramount to the success of every school district, and he made sure his teachers and administrators were able to learn from nationally recognized experts in the field. He worked tirelessly to ensure each and every student received a high quality educational experience and advocated for greater parity in school funding. It was important to him that students in rural communities had access to the same opportunities afforded to those in more affluent communities and in larger school districts. Early in his tenure at Williamstown he initiated the “Williamstown Special Seal” for graduates who demonstrated a strong work ethic. This program served as a model for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce “Career Passport”. He also served on the Greater Cincinnati Health Foundation Board and brought a school-based health clinic and childcare center for children of students and staff to the school district as a part of his involvement with the board. He was especially proud of the Williamstown Band of Pride and the success and growth of the music program and success of the marching band. Recognized as an outstanding teacher and administrator, he was a featured presenter a numerous educational conferences and conventions. He served as the President of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (1989-1990) and was recognized by Executive Educator Magazine as one of the “Top 100” educational leaders in North America.
Throughout his professional life, Cliff demonstrated a commitment to his community in various civic, professional, and political affiliations. To name just a few: he served as President of the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce, was the founder of the Kincaid Regional Theatre, appointed by the Governor as a member of the Kentucky Arts Council, and was the Democratic nominee for the Kentucky State Senate.
Following his retirement from Williamstown in 2002, he served as the owner and administrator of the Jonesville Personal Care Home and as a member of the Williamstown School Board (2014-2018). Cliff was vocal in his support of and advocacy for public education and vehemently opposed those who have tried to dismantle the system. A life-long Democrat, he never gave up the ideals of our Democracy and a belief that all people deserve choice, equitable opportunities, and genuine care. Cliff was a true gentleman, role model, and friend, truly making the world around him a better place.
Preceding him in death were his beloved mother, Bertha Elizabeth Peoples; father, Andrew C. Wallace; and brother, Robert Raymond Wallace.
Surviving him are his wife, of 61 years, Linda Tucker Wallace; daughter, Dr. Leigh Wallace Tabak (Fred); granddaughter, Eliana Pearl Wallace Tabak, a freshman at Michigan State University; brother, Andrew C. Wallace (Berta); beloved nieces; nephew; and cousins.
Services were held Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Peoples Funeral Home, in Butler
Burial took place at Butler Cemetery.
Donations can be made to the Clifford M. Wallace Scholarship fund to support students and educators.