A memorial tribute representing the legacy of John Malcolm Waddell Jr.
John Malcolm Waddell Jr., a respected businessman and humanitarian from Houston, has passed away at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma. He is remembered for his dedication to family, significant contributions to the business sector, and community service. Survived by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, Waddell’s legacy includes his entrepreneurial ventures and passion for music, community engagement, and mentorship. A memorial service is scheduled, with contributions requested to be made to educational or charitable causes in his honor.
Houston – John Malcolm Waddell Jr., a respected businessman and humanitarian, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston on May 11, 2025, at the age of 72. He had been bravely battling cholangiocarcinoma for two years, demonstrating remarkable grace and a preference for faith over fear throughout his illness.
Waddell was known for his dedication to family, his significant contributions to the business community, and an enduring commitment to humanitarianism. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Bruce, two daughters, Julianne and Amanda, and two grandsons, Owen and Noa. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister, Candace Waddell MacMahon, along with her children, and a close family friend.
Born on May 25, 1952, to Norrie Jane Moore Waddell and John Malcolm Waddell Sr., Malcolm grew up in Houston as a fourth-generation resident. He attended Kinkaid School, where he was a “lifer,” graduating in 1970. Waddell later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University in 1974, followed by an MBA from Harvard University in 1979.
During his time at Harvard, he met Suzanne Bruce, then a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine. The couple married in 1981 and together raised their two daughters. Malcolm’s career was marked by a notable entrepreneurial spirit; he co-purchased the company that became EnClean, Inc. in 1984, serving as CEO for a decade before selling his stake in 1993. After the sale, he embraced the role of “Mr. Mom,” actively engaging in his daughters’ lives and valuing school functions as privileges.
In 1997, he partnered with his wife to develop Suzanne Bruce and Associates Dermatology from a solo practice into a thriving multi-practitioner clinic. As a mentor, he significantly influenced the careers of many young managers and staff at the clinic, guiding them with wisdom and support.
Outside of his professional life, Waddell was passionate about music, travel, and community service. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music, he participated in Houston’s KLDE radio station’s “name that tune” contest, frequently emerging victorious. For over forty years, he created and shared personalized mix tapes, CDs, and USBs of Christmas music with friends and community members, showcasing his generous spirit.
Family vacations, particularly in New Mexico and Galveston, filled his life with joy. Waddell was also socially active, often seen as a unifying presence among friends and classmates. He served as his Kinkaid class correspondent for more than three decades, maintaining connections and fostering relationships within the alumni community. His enthusiasm for community engagement was further exhibited through his leadership roles, including president of the Kinkaid Alumni Association and active involvement with the Houston Area Women’s Center board.
Waddell was a long-time member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where he found strength and solace during his final days. His dedication to community service and leadership was unwavering, and his loss is keenly felt among those who knew him.
A visitation in honor of Malcolm Waddell Jr. will be held on May 30, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons in Houston. A memorial service will follow on May 31, 2025, at 11 AM at Christ the King Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Malcolm Waddell Class of 1970 Endowed Kinkaid School Scholarship Fund or to a charity of the contributor’s choice.
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