Walter Francis Wawro, age 69, of Fairfield Glade, passed away March 4, 2021.

After graduating from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale’s School of Communications in 1973, his career in radio broadcasting began. Wally became a legendary sound engineer at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas and was instrumental in shaping the “WFAA sound”. He produced countless music packages and jingles, and conquered anything and everything tricky in audio production during his 35-year tenure. Those who worked with him called him a mentor, cheerleader and a really good guy. He always had a big smile on his face and in his heart.

Wally’s passions included, first and foremost, spending time with his family as well as shopping for obscure record albums and old-fashioned microphones, attending car shows and traveling with his wife, stopping to view radio towers and lighthouses.

After years of cardiac issues Wally was blessed to become a heart transplant recipient in 2007. Knowing how this changed his life, he elected to be an organ and tissue donor upon his death.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents: Walter J. Wawro and Josephine Kowal Wawro. He is survived by his wife of 41 years: Rosemary Diehl Wawro; daughter: Tamara Rogers (Willie Frank Rogers Jr.); grandchildren: Ryan, Jackson and Cheyenne; and sister: Mary E. Wawro. He will be sorely missed by other extended family members and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. central at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7503 Peavine Road, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. Please see the church website, www.saintfrancisfairfield.org if you wish to view services via livestream. Family will be gathered in the church foyer for visitation beginning at 9:15 a.m. Following the funeral Mass, family and friends walk to the Columbarium on the church property. All are welcome to see Wally put to rest. Obituary by Dignity Memorial in Knoxville.