TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-loved Auchinleck bus driver who died from coronavirus who ‘lived for his grandchildren’.

William Wallace sadly passed from COVID-19 on Sunday, October 11, at Ayr Hospital, aged 60.

The news of his death shocked colleagues who have rallied round his family to support them over the past week.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Daughter Chloe Wallace, 29, says her and her sister Amanda, 35, have been comforted by the outpouring of tributes as flowers were laid outside his East Ayrshire home – and a bagpiper played for him.

William was a dedicated grandad to their children, Layton, 10, Lilly-Mae, 6, Logan 3, and one-year-old Colt.

She said: “He was always up for a laugh and he’d do anything for anybody.

“He lived for his grandchildren and us, you got him the same way all the time.”

William fell ill with coronavirus on Saturday, October 3 and began to self-isolate whilst battling symptoms.

His concerned daughters kept in touch with him over the phone before he was taken into hospital on Thursday, October 9.

Sadly he lost his battle on the Sunday after doctors broke the news to the family that was nothing else they could do for him.

William was a bus driver based at Stagecoach Kilmarnock Depot where he had worked since 1987. 

His career on the buses included a stint at Liddell’s Coaches in Auchinleck and Milligans of Mauchline.

Chloe has told how her dad “loved his job” as he worked through lockdown as a key worker.

William also loved his football and was a huge Ayr United fan, with many of his friends, family and colleagues changing their Facebook profile picture to the Honest Men’s badge in memory of him.

He spent a stint as a ball boy at Somerset Park whilst his father was a coach during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time as a player at the club.

And bus drivers across in Kilmarnock united in grief as they displayed ‘Willie Wallace’ on buses.

Chloe added: “It has been really comforting to see there is people out there thinking about him.

“It’s nice for his grandchildren, they will be able to see how well liked he was and loved, we can show them that when they are older.”

Cumnock Chronicle:

A colleague and friend of William Wallace has told how he was a "legend" at work.

Antony McLaughlan said: “Willie was a true gentleman and role model to all. Anything he could do to help he would.

“He was well respected all over the Stagecoach family and with all his passengers. He used to message us all on a Saturday night when Kilmarnock would play just to slag us all.

“Willie treated everyone the same an had time for anyone. He will sadly be missed in work and it will never be the same without him and his Sydney Devine bad taste in music won’t be forgotten.”

An online fundraiser has been set up to support the family. You can donate here.