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BORN
1941
DIED
2019
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William Wakefield Obituary
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC
William Carroll Wakefield II, 77 years old, passed away early in the morning of April 3rd, 2019.
Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol, and their two sons, Bill (wife Rene, grandsons Landon & Austin) and Chris (wife Jenny). Born and raised in Everett, PA, Bill and his brother George helped support their parents' business, Bill's Place, on Route 30 in Breezewood, PA. The brothers' work ethic was established at an early age as they pumped gas at age 6 to help support Bill's Place.
Bill joined the military while studying Civil Engineering and participating in ROTC at Penn State. After graduating, Bill began a career in the Army Corps of Engineers, became an airborne Ranger and served two tours in Vietnam. He earned numerous awards in his military career for exemplary service. Bill continued his military career serving in the Army Reserves while he worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In his career, he helped implement renewable energy and hydroelectric projects in the northwest US.
While helping to raise his two sons, Bill was the soccer and basketball coach for dozens of neighborhood kids on his beloved Warriors teams. Bill was an avid golfer and traveler. He played golf frequently and was skilled enough to achieve 5 holes-in-one in his career, including one in Egypt. He visited 107 countries on all 7 continents, and even played golf in Antarctica! Bill and Carol loved to travel around the world and share their exploits with friends in the community.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 9th at 10am at St. Brendan's Catholic Church. A burial at Arlington National Cemetery will take place later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Grissettown-Longwood Fire & Rescue, 758 Longwood Road, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 or Brunswick County EMS, 3325 Old Ocean Highway, Building C, Bolivia, NC 28433.
On-line condolences may be sent to www.brunswickfuneralservice.com.
Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Wakefield
Sylvester Kohut, Jr.
August 26, 2019
I just read about Bill's passing in the latest issue of the Penn State Alumni Magazine (September/October 2019). I was a fraternity brother of Bill's and when I joined Sigma Tau Gamma in the Fall 1962, I remember his kindness and sense of humor. My sympathy to his family.
July 6, 2019
Carol,so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jo Ann Napoleon Landini
April 28, 2019
My sincere condolences to you and your family and friends for your loss of your dear loved one. May prayers strengthen you and comfort you at this time ( 2 Corinthinians 1: 3,4).
F. J.
April 17, 2019
With deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know that those who pass away, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15.
Marti & Jody Serensits
April 9, 2019
Thinking of you and holding your family in our hearts through this difficult time. Bill was such a big personality and will be missed terribly. Our love to you.
Tony Milam
April 9, 2019
My mother told me about Bill and I was sad to hear. I have some good memories of Bill from Montclair CC and then at Ocean Isle when we visited our old neighbors Bob and Mary Kish from Ohio. My mom has a good memory of Bill when he wore his gorilla suit and would jump around on all the sofas and chairs acting out the true gorilla in him. He was a good fellow and will be greatly missed by many. Our deepest symphony to your entire family.
Tony Milam
Alice Kalaskas Allred
April 8, 2019
So sorry to hear about his passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Paige Honeycutt
April 7, 2019
Prayers and love to you Carol. What an amazing life to celebrate. Love, Paige Honeycutt
Mike / Margie Dowd.
April 7, 2019
Carol, Billy, Chris. Mrs. Henry just told us at church. We are very sad about it. Will always remember the Warriors and trophy parties. He was a good egg. May God give you His peace. Love to all.
Robert Jones
April 6, 2019
A very special couple, we at physical therapy are blessed to know both only for a short time that will last our life times,God Bless you and family,thx for ur service SIR!
Antoinette & Steven Ward Watts
April 6, 2019
I remember how kind you and Mr. Wakefield were to us from our initial introduction by Dolly Martin. I have received your travel updates each year since you moved, sharing your travels and family highlights during the year. I was deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Wakefield's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Mr. Wakefield's memory and contributions to the community and this country will remain in the hearts and minds of all that had the privilege to know him.
Dave Haller
April 6, 2019
Carol and the rest of the Wakefield family, knowing Bill and you made my high school years more enjoyable. Bill was always a positive person and quick with a joke to make you smile. You are so lucky to have a great family with great memories. Bill will be missed but will live on in our collective memories because he touched all our lives.
April 6, 2019
Oh Carol and Boys, so many wonderful memories involving Bill "Mr. Wakefield" .. what a good guy. Watching our Scott play soccer and basketball on Bill's Warriors Teams was such fun. Brian and I will never forget those happy days. A life well lived.
Carmen & Ricardo Hernandez
April 6, 2019
Dear Carol, Bill, Chris and the entire family - Always loved your shared travel updates. Ricardo and I send our deepest condolences to you during this time. Praying that God grants you the strength for the days ahead.
Laura Wilkinson
April 6, 2019
Carol, I am so sorry to hear this. May God wrap you in his arms and give you strength and peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gail Webb
April 6, 2019
Bill led our senior class as our president, excellent student, always had a positive word and with great humor. He continued being our class glue and organized our reunions as late as 2018. I thank Bill for his service to our country; did not get to say this to Bill....."Welcome Home Bill"!
Santina & Bill Sherksnas
April 6, 2019
So sorry to hear of my classmates passing.. he was. Wonderful friend, fun to be with, full of the devil, always telling me about our first date, which I could not remember, had a lot of memories about our class , fly high Bill,
Duane Brawner
April 6, 2019
Prayers for comfort in the days to come
Cindy Sapio
April 6, 2019
My sincere condolences to you and your family Mrs. Wakefield.
Sissy Brown
April 5, 2019
Carol and Family,
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We always enjoyed the family events with you and Bill. I know my Granddaughters and Rebecca will miss their Uncle Bill. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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