William P. Earls

On Time!

Did my dad arrive in heaven on time? Bill Earls, aka Wild Bill, was never on time for anything. Here's how I expect things unfolded….

William Peter Earls arrived on this earth July 12, 1938 to Elizabeth and Clarence Earls of Elmira, NY. After a short stint with his parents he lived and worked with several farmers throughout New York & Pennsylvania. He graduated high school at S.R.U. There he enjoyed wrestling and chasing the most striking underclasswoman, Donna Jane Nichols. They married immediately upon graduating.

While building on his dream of being a dairy farmer Bill produced four healthy farmhands. His dairy farm thrived and many locals grew up earning a few bucks and learning life long lessons while doing farm chores.

God tried to call him home one day by wrapping him around a power take-off shaft. Luckily his shirt ripped off, although he sustained a life long injury, he informed God he'd have to wait. Farming was his life. Amidst the chores he took time to bottle hunt, swim with the crew after putting up hay, coon hunt, and spent hours chatting with fellow auction goers. He never knew a stranger. Many a time we'd pile into the car after a family outing only to have to go find him after a half hour or so, still chewing the cud, not ready to leave. That's how I imagine it was in heaven after each farm accident. The trailer full of rock fell on him and he was pinned underneath. The angel reports back to God, " uh, he's down there eating Perry's ice cream in the hospital talking to a bunch of people. The motorcycle accident, the truck he drove over the bank. The bull that got his shoulder before he inched under the fence. Each time walking away with one more life long scar. Each time an angel reporting back that they couldn't convince him to give up.

Another love… babies! He read them stories with such grand gestures, eyes wide open, bouncing a tot around as the excitement built. He got on the floor to give pony rides or "wrasstle" each child wanting a turn. And he loved to dance! He would kick up his heels in a way we all tried to imitate. Weddings were so fun with him on the dance floor.

When time took its toll on his friends and mentors he would visit them in the nursing homes, bringing them chocolates and flowers, even helped one "escape" for a joy ride!

Bill, Dad, Uncle Bill, Grampie went home at the age of 87 on October 22,2025. The week before he was dancing and singing at the very nursing home he had visited so many times before, before his memory faded. But this time when the lord sent an angel, he was finally ready, no last minute chats. With his daughter and granddaughter holding his hand, he went dancing into the arms of his beloved maker.

His legacy includes his wife, Donna, of 67 years daughter Nancy & Neal Chamberlain, daughter Sharon Earls, son Shawn Earls, daughter Leianne Pudwill & husband Dave. Grandchildren, Jamie & Kyle Kellogg, Melissa & Byron Congdon, Scott Earls, Sara Chamberlain, Grant &Rose Chamberlain, Abby Chamberlain, Victoria and Alex Rouch, Hannah and Zach Earls & 15 great grandbabies. He is survived by his brother Richard & Priscilla Balatzek & sister Theresa Mattison. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, loving sister Mary & husband Dave Nangle, Marie Hildebrandt and Johnny Earls

Services and a Celebration of Life will be held November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church.

Those who wish may send condolences to the family by visiting our website at www.tiogapointcremation.com. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation and Burial Options, Inc., 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810.