Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKLAND - Willard C. "Wild Bill" Radley, 65, husband of Dedde Bragg Radley, died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at his home after an extended illness.
Born in Brunswick, October 7, 1943, he was one of 13 children born to Charles A., Jr. and Ruth B. Cressey Radley.
Seeking refuge from a difficult home life, Bill left home at the age of nine and independently traversed the United States between Maine and California several times. He enjoyed recounting stories of those days, with anyone with whom he had the opportunity.
After settling in this area, on July 26, 1980, he married Dedde L. Bragg at West Rockport Baptist Church.
Bill first worked with Stinson Canning and F.J. O'Hara & Sons Seafood in Rockland. He then worked with O'Hara's Ice Company, and later worked many years at First National Store, Shop-N-Save, the IGA formerly in Rockland and Graves Grocery. Bill was most recognized for his longtime employment at Rockland Redemption at the Thomaston/Rockland line.
A cowboy at heart, "Wild Bill" was always dressed in his trademark cowboy boots, black western shirt and black Stetson hat. He loved Country Music. Old Orchard Beach was a favorite for Bill with his family, and they affectionately remembered he usually was the only person sitting on the beach dressed in black, with boots and cowboy hat.
He looked forward every Christmas season to dressing as Santa Claus and providing Christmas presents to children who otherwise would have had none. Although of humble financial means, one Sunday Bill took an entire congregation of a church he attended to lunch, just because he wanted to. His family said that he was happiest when he was helping someone else.
He also enjoyed camping with his family. While camping was a regular for his family, Bill never learned how to put up a tent; and with a smile, would pay his kids to complete that task.
An accomplished gambler, he enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, Foxwoods, and Hollywood Slots, where he often won playing Black Jack.
Foremost, Bill was happiest when with his family. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren.
Predeceased by one grandson, William Radley in 2000, Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Dedde; two sons, Jerry Radley and his wife River of Warren, Eric Radley of Bangor; three daughters, Donna Beeman and her husband Charles of Thomaston, Brenda Radley of Bangor, Katie Bellows and her husband Philip of Waldoboro; six grandchildren, Byron Radley, Alexandria Beeman, Logan Radley, Parker Dupree' Minzy, Sapphire Radley, James Ellis, Jr.; his mother-in-law Lois Bragg and her companion Linwood Thorndike of West Rockport; the adoptive parents of Parker Dupree' who have continued to be an integral part of the family, Scott and Sarah Minzy of Pittston; as well as several step-children, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2009, at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, One Waldo Avenue, Rockland. The Reverend Dr. Branan Becknell and Reverend Robert Bellows will co-officiate. Interment will follow in Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland.