William Bales Obituary
William Lloyd Bales, also known as Bill, Pop and Grandpa, age 78, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025 at the Veterans Hospital in Nashville surrounded by family. He was born in Salinas CA on November 2, 1946 and grew up in Monterey Ca and Waco TX. It was while in Waco that he joined the military. He proudly served in the US Army with the 101st Airbourne, the 82nd Airbourne and Special Forces. He was also a Drill Sgt and received numerous commendations. He served 3 tours in Vietnam, receiving 3 Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged as an E6 on June 29, 1976 due to medical reasons from injuries received while in Vietnam. As were many in Vietnam, he was affected by the aftermath of Agent Orange.
After being discharged, he attended Austin Peay State University while also working for the US Postal Service as a supervisor and then went on to be an OTR driver. He retired from driving in 2006.
He was a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 2120 and a Lifetime Member of the DAV. Bill enjoyed being with family, traveling, camping, fly fishing, playing Phase 10, James Patterson novels, watching football, almost any war movie and old westerns. He would tolerate watching the Hallmark movies with his wife. Bill was just a big ole teddy bear, with a good heart. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Weldon Earl Bales and Donna Jean Burton, brother Weldon Eugene Bales, sister Terri Zimmerman and grandson Christopher Brining.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Nancy, sons William Bales (Cynda), Allen Greer (Elaine), Michael Bales, daughters Shelley Sain (Dustin), Kelley Bales, Jennifer Brining and Stacey Woodley, sisters Mickey Gibson and Bonnie Vattuone. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces, nephews and loving family and friends.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 1:00 at the Nashville National Cemetery; 1420 Gallatin Pike S; Madison TN 37115.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital in Nashville. They have always been very kind and compassionate. Especially Dr. Audrey Stewart, Dr. Richa Misra, Megan Cooper and Stephanie.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Orange Heart Medal Foundation 13833 Owens Chapel Road Springfield, Tennessee 37172 or to the Gary Sinese Foundation
PO Box 40726 Nashville, TN 37204.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
212 Highway 76, White House, TN 37188
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