OXFORD – William L. “Bill” Wakefield, 46, of Oxford, passed away late Monday afternoon, July 27, 2009, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill was born in March of 1963 in Norwich, the son of Leon James and Retha Stevens Wakefield. He grew up in the Oxford area and attended the Oxford schools. Once out of school, Bill went to work for Victory Markets as a forklift operator, remaining there for 17 years. In 1999, he earned his GED and furthered his education by attending college in Pennsylvania to became a licensed electrician. Bill had been employed by D.D.C.S. Electrical Contractors in Norwich, and had done a major part of the electrical work for Turning Stone Casino.
A man who would tell you like it was, but had a heart of gold, Bill was an extremely talented person who could fix anything and was happiest when he was tinkering. He enjoyed woodworking and, along with his wife Renae, had made their home a beautiful place to be. An avid collector and local history buff, landscaper and gardener, Bill also enjoyed motorcycles and 4-wheelers.
On March 23, 1985, in Oxford, Bill married Renae Mackey, who survives. Besides his wife, Bill is survived by his children, Jeremy W. and Ashley R. Wakefield of Oxford; his mom and step-dad, Retha and Moe Beckwith of Oxford; his sister, Theresa Spencer of Oxford; and his brothers and their wives, James and Donna Wakefield and Timothy and Holly Ann Wakefield all of Oxford. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews: April Wakefield, David Wakefield and wife Tonnia, Chassity, Nicholas and Haleigh Wakefield, Mitchell Cluff, Melissa Marte, Michelle Sayles and husband O.J., Jason and Ivon Miller, Christopher Tiffany and Kyle Miller, Gary Brazee and Stephanie Fox; special nieces, Nancy Hill and Amelia Wakefield; and his sister-in-law, Cynthia Fox.
Funeral services for Bill will be held at noon on Friday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Stephen Reese, pastor of the Columbus Community Church, will officiate. Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 138I5. or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.