William B. Astle Jr.

1935 - 2021

William B Astle, Jr., 85, passed away on January 5, 2021 at McLeod Seacoast Hospital, after a short battle with COVID. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts on June 1, 1935, he was the son of the late William B. and Hazel Thompson Astle Sr. William "Bill" graduated from Durfee High School, Fall River in 1953. While at Durfee, Bill was a member of the track team, football team and basketball team, setting many records to which he was extremely proud. After finishing high school, Bill went on to further his education at Bradford Durfee College of Technology (UMASS Dartmouth), graduating in 1958. Bill was inducted into UMASS Dartmouth Corsairs Hall Of Fame in 1996 for his accomplishments in Men's Basketball and Men's Track and Field. After completing his education, he began his career in textiles, working for Milliken and Co. and later working for other companies seeking his talent. He worked for Vertipile Inc. Textile, Avery Dennison (where his son William worked with him while completing his education at SMU). Later he formed his own company Astle Corporation to which his "Flue Furnace" was patented, working alongside his sons, James and Thomas. Bill enjoyed playing golf, but his passion was for flying, to which he obtained his private pilots license and his first plane. He loved taking family and friends for rides in his plane, to which many have fond memories of their adventures with him. Christmas Dinner at Dads/ Grampas was a time that everyone looked forward to each year. He was so proud of his Prime Rib and French Onion soup. This was the time of year where we all came together as one big Astle family. These memories are ones that we will treasure forever. William is survived by his children, Deborah Thurber; Barbara Comeau; Carlene Comeau; James Astle; Thomas Astle; and William Astle; his sister, Mildred Hackett; and 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Beverly Clarke Astle; and brother, James Astle. A private family service will be held at a later date. A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com. Lee Funeral Home of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.