Since its founding in 1693, the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., has undergone an illustrious history, in each period mirroring the history of the nation. Much of what we know of that history is the result of the prodigious research over the past six decades and its eloquent expression in the prose of Wilford Kale.
A Tarheel by birth, Wilford was a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, who came to the Old Dominion to study at William and Mary, where he majored in history. He entered the U.S. Army where he served as a young officer in Vietnam, for which he received a Bronze Star.
After his military service, he entered Park College (now Park University) in Parkville, Missouri, graduating with a degree in history, and proceeded to use his writing skills throughout a long career in journalism, initially with the Charlotte Observer and then with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. During that period, he wrote Hark Upon the Gale, an Illustrated History of William and Mary, followed by Goal to Goal, 100 Seasons of Football at William and Mary.
After a quarter of a century reporting on the news throughout the Commonwealth, at the invitation of William A. Pruitt, the legendary longtime Commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, in 1994 Wilford joined the executive staff at the VMRC. In that capacity, he established a public affairs office, enabling the agency to project its news effectively to the public.
In addition, each month, he produced a lengthy compendium of copies of all news releases related to the marine activities across the Commonwealth in order to keep the appointed members of the VMRC apprised of significant matters upon which they might be voting.
Always a writer, Wilford, then approaching 60, decided to pursue a master’s in history at the University of Leicester in England. He wrote a brilliant thesis that later was published in book form as From Student to Warrior, A Military History of the College of William and Mary.
As with all of his works, his attention to detail in conducting the research and his elevating method of expression were readily apparent. He truly had a “way with words.” Particularly with respect to the College of William and Mary, his works will remain the starting point for all future scholarship.
Always looking for new literary pursuits, seven years ago Wilford began writing a bi-weekly newspaper column that he entitled “KALEidoscope on Books.” In it he would review a gamut of books currently on the market, and occasionally he would turn to shedding new light on traditional classics. The column was picked up by local newspapers, including the Rappahannock Record, where it became a favorite among the Northern Neck literati.
Wilford was a person of boundless energy. He found great pleasure in helping others, and when thanked, his consistent reply was, “That’s why we have friends.” He was a lifetime learner, always ready to discuss a new topic or to update an older one. He knew so much, and was compelled to share his wealth of knowledge, whether in the written form or orally, with anyone he encountered. Every conversation with Wilford was an educational experience, indeed, a lesson in erudition.
Ten days ago, Wilford died unexpectedly at his home in Williamsburg at the age of 81. Three days later, his final KALEidoscope appeared in the press. Typically, he never gave up sharing, enlightening, educating, giving his all to make the citizens of this world better informed in the conduct of their daily lives. His was an extraordinary presence among us.
Wallace Wilford Kale, September 2, 1944–May 18, 2026. R.I.P.
