Skipper Memorial
Walter Johnson McCaine, Jr. was born on June 21, 1929 in Houston, TX. A student of Lamar High School, Walter went on to graduate from Rice University in 1951. Walter always spoke fondly of the lifelong friendships he developed while at Lamar and Rice University.
The following four years of Walter's life journey went spent serving in the United States Navy as LTJG during the Korean War.
Once home, Walter became a CPA. He also joined his father's business, McCaine Metal Company. Walter's true passion though would become his own business, Alloy Carbide Company. With the love and support of “Mama”, Mary Chambers McCaine, he founded in the company in 1956.
Walter took great pride in his employees, and the family atmosphere which remains today. He also remained pleased with his co-workers at Alloy Carbide who were as willing as he to stand their ground in the face of hard work. Many of Alloy Carbide's current employees know the building as Wally-Tech, a place where they have learned a lifetime of knowledge and a great deal of appreciation.
During our Christmas dinner in 2010, over dozen members of Alloy Carbide Company were recognized with a special token for 25 years (or more) of dedication to the company. This is the legacy that Walter McCaine strived for and took pride in developing. Through the years, Walter helped his employees grow more knowledgeable of the products they were producing while always maintaining a balance of family and personal commitments.
Walter became a member of the Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association, and remained active as both a coach and area commissioner for many years.
The community was also blessed to interact with him on a regular basis during his time as an usher and greeter at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Walter always made time to listen and if the opportunity to help arose, he would.
Walter also took his time and passion to Colorado, a place he loved to become one with nature. Scenic views and time with the family recharged his batteries the best. Then it was back to home to run the business he so enjoyed.
As the years went on and Walter began entrusting his duties to the next generation, he may have taken an extra vacation or two with his lovely wife Dorothy, but he never stopped showing up for work. A friendly game of dominoes during lunch became Walter's pastime. And as he would sit waiting with his Diet Coke and Hershey bar, his opponents always knew the lunch bell meant another chance to never beat "Wally" at his own game.
Walter McCaine will always be remembered as "the Skipper", the man at the helm of Alloy Carbide Company. A business he started with will and determination to be a leader in an industry that surrounds the town in which he was raised. His name may never make a marquis or be discussed in the papers, but it will forever live in the hearts of those he touched.
