William Scaife

May 23, 1947 - September 8, 2011 OKLAHOMA CITY Sept. 8th, William M. "Bill" Scaife passed away of natural causes while biking at Lake Hef-ner. He was born May 23, 1947, in Glen Ellyn, IL to Margaret & Reid Scaife and grew up in a boisterous household with brothers, Bob, Tom & Dave. Bill graduated from Glen Ellyn H.S. and DePauw Univ. where he played football and participated in ROTC. He received his Master's Degree from Colorado Univ. Following in his father's footsteps, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the USAF and began a career as an Officer with early assignments in flying units. In '79 he was assigned to the 552nd ACW at Tinker AFB as commander of the wing headquarters squadron. Bill and Charlotte Winsett Little met professionally through their careers at Tinker. They married on New Year's Eve in 1980. Bill became a weapons director on the 552nd E-3 aircraft and subsequently became a mission crew commander. He flew missions all over the world, had additional assignments in Saudi Arabia and Langley AFB, VA, and retired a Lt. Col. in '90. Upon retirement, Bill accepted a position in Saudi Arabia as a civilian contractor training Saudi E-3 aircrews. Bill returned to OKC after 2 yrs and he and Charlotte settled in to "normal" civilian life which for Bill meant no coat and tie. While Charlotte continued her career as a social worker for the military and VA Hospital, Bill worked at nurseries happy with his no coat and tie work attire. Bill loved plants, flowers and working in his yard. Anyone visiting the Scaife home knew a gardener lived there. Bill and Charlotte enjoyed vacationing in WS where Bill also pursued his love for hunting and fishing. Bill is survived by his wife, Charlotte; sons, Dan & Rick & wife Lisabeth & grandson William & Lauryn & Haley; brothers, Bob & Tom; and Charlotte's children, Lauren Greer & husband Jerry & Braxton Little & wife Nance; grandchildren, Charlee Greer Johnson & husband Micahel, Jerry Greer, Skyler, Heartleigh & Phoebe Little. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, & brother, Dave. Everyone who met Bill knew they met a friend. He had the unique ability to fit in anywhere, but made no pretense that he was someone other than Big Bill Scaife, who was bigger than life, loved his wife & family, loved his little dog, Schatzi, told a good story, laughed at a good joke, and always had a root beer for the little boy down the street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans. Bill's family will be hosting a celebration of his life on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 at Smith & Kernke from 2-5 pm, where they will greet friends. The family wishes to express gratitude to those who helped Bill at Lake Hefner and called 911.