Dr. Wally Wilkerson, longtime Montgomery County political patriarch, passes away

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Last Friday night, Dr. Wally Wilkerson passed away at the age of 91. For decades, Dr. Wilkerson (or “Doctor Wally,” as he was affectionately known amongst colleagues) had led the Montgomery County Republican Party as its chairman, assuming the mantle in 1964 until he gave his farewell address in August of 2020 and handed the reins over to Brian Christ. To put the longevity of his tenure into perspective, he held that position for approximately one-third of the time that Texas has been a state.

So immense was Dr. Wilkerson’s popularity, over the years he had an intermediate school and a parkway named after him. Not only was he a part of history, he was an avid chronicler of it as well, as evidenced by his lauded speech Where We Were (1952-1990), Where We Are (1991-2010) & Where We Will Be (2011- and beyond) that he presented ten years ago but is still as relevant today as it was then.

As word of Wilkerson’s death spread, tributes and remembrances began flooding social media. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough posted, “Please join me in prayer for the Wilkerson family and all of Wally’s extended family and many friends and colleagues across this great state who join me in mourning the loss of a great man and beloved friend.” Current Woodlands area Congressman Kevin Brady stated, “We lost a giant today. ‘Dr. Wally’ Wilkerson went to be with his Neddie Jane & the Lord after a remarkable lifetime of service to his community, state & nation. Beloved. Kind. Father of GOP Party in Montgomery County. Leaves a legacy within each of us blessed to know him.” District 2 Congressman Dan Crenshaw added, “He was a legend in Montgomery County and GOP politics for decades. Thank you Wally for your incredible dedication and service. Rest In Peace.” And Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan stated, “Texas has lost an extraordinary icon in GOP politics, Dr. Wally Wilkerson. He served in Montgomery County as Party Chairman for 50+ years, was a Navy veteran, and impacted many lives through his medical practice. Dr. Wally’s work and legacy will always be remembered.”

The Montgomery County Republican Party headquarters in particular reeled from the news of Wilkerson’s passing. “Dr. Wally was a legend,” said volunteer representative Kim King. “He knew many presidents and governors. He was a very humble man and was a mentor to many. We have all been blessed to have known him.”

Adorning the interior of the headquarters in downtown Conroe is “Dr. Wally’s Wall of Memories, filled with photographs and mementos of those who knew him over the decades.

Dr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his wife of many years. Judge Keough has announced his intention to have flags flown at half-staff in Montgomery County in tribute to Wilkerson and his legacy.

(Photos courtesy of Montgomery County Republican Party)

Photos