William Watkins Wharff

WILLIAM WATKINS WHARFF MAY 20, 1928 - JULY 24, 2008 William Watkins (Bill) Wharff, 80, peacefully entered into rest surrounded by his family on July 24, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jeanne Wharff of Oakdale, his brother Don of Gilroy, son Rev. Mark (Laura) Wharff of Modesto, daughters Lynda Ogden and Elaine Wharff of Oakdale, 8 grandchildren: Christopher (Ginger) Lovelace of Indiana, Melissa (Brad) Franca of Oakdale, Rebecca Alvernaz of Fresno, Andrew Alvernaz of Berkeley, Aaron (Lauren) Wharff of Utah, Jamie Lovelace of Oakdale, Andrea Wharff of Turlock and Brian (Tiffany) Lovelace of Oakdale; 7 great-grandchildren, Courtenay, Camilla, Kalen Dons of Indiana, Conner Lovelace of Indiana, Keoni Dean, Chester Lovelace and Carter Franca all of Oakdale. Bill was born May 20, 1928 in Gilroy, California. He attended schools in King City and Los Gatos where he excelled in sports. After graduation, he worked as a cowboy on the Hearst Ranch in San Simeon and the Quinto Ranch in Gustine. He then entered the United States Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Warrick as a radio operator. After his tour of duty, he continued his radio operating duties for the Southern Pacific Railroad for a few years before moving to Oakdale in 1955. He was Assistant Manager of Copeland Lumber Yard until his retirement. In the early 80's he decided retirement wasn't for him, and he went to work at the Community United Methodist Church as Custodian and Gardener. An avid gardener, Bill kept family and friends supplied with vegetables for years. He also kept friends and neighbors supplied with cookies and breads, as he also loved to bake. Bill was a member and Past Master of Riverbank Masonic Lodge #459, member of EI Rio Chapter #333 Order of the Eastern Star and member of the Oakdale Community United Methodist Church. He also served several terms as Rainbow Dad for Oak Summit Assembly #128 International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in the early 70's. Visitation will be held August 11 from 4-8 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be August 12 at 10 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church of Oakdale at 1480 Poplar Ave. Graveside services will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park Hughson. Oakdale Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be made to Community Hospice of Modesto or Community United Methodist Church of Oakdale.www.modbee.com/obituaries