Wally Olson

ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Wally Olson, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 53.

Funeral services, with full law enforcement honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ozark Civic Center with Pastor Josh Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Civic Center. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.

Wally was born and raised in Dale County, and he never strayed far from the place he called home. He had a deep love for his community, one that ran through every season of his life. His journey in law enforcement began humbly, starting as a jailer at the Dale County Jail. At the same time, he served as a part-time officer with the Ariton Police Department—balancing long hours, learning the ropes, and earning the respect of those around him. You could say he was built for service, and that calling grew stronger with time.

As the years went on, Wally’s dedication and integrity carried him forward. He became a Dale County Deputy, where he built strong relationships and became a steady presence to both his colleagues and the people he served. In 2007, he was elected Sheriff—a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For the next 16 years, he gave his all to the badge, leading with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. He treated people with dignity, even in the toughest moments, and he stood by his community not just as a lawman, but as a neighbor and friend.

After retiring in 2023, Wally wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve in a new capacity as a Security Analyst with M1 at Fort Novosel. Even in that chapter of his life, he brought the same sharp mind and strong heart that had defined his career from the beginning. Wally also enjoyed serving the community after retirement, by working with Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, a job that he enjoyed.

But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Wally was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted Christian who leaned on his faith in both good times and hard times. He poured love into his family, especially his daughters, who were the light of his life. His eyes would brighten any time he spoke about them, and his love was felt in the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones too.

He was an active member of Faith Christian Center in Ozark, where his faith wasn't just a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. Wally lived out his beliefs not just in words, but in how he treated others, how he gave his time, and how he showed up with strength and kindness again and again.

Wally leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love—a life well-lived and a heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, humility, and the kind of quiet heroism that makes a lasting impact. He may be gone, but his spirit will always live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Stafford Olson; two daughters, Emma Claire Olson and Ellie Grace Olson; his parents, Gary and Alice Bludsworth Olson; relatives from the Stafford family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mack and Sheila Casey Stafford; brother-in-law, Michael Stafford; nephew, Christopher Stafford (Mikayla), and their children, J.T. and Mary Grace; aunts and uncles from the Bludsworth family, Wallace Bludsworth (Judy), James Bludsworth (Evy), Tony Bludsworth (Debbie), Terry Bludsworth (Merri), Ann Fisher (Jack), Elaine England, Geraldine Hill (Ron), Dale Nelson (Ron), Agnes Reaves, and his special second mama, Carolyn Tolbert; numerous cousins and friends.

Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.