BERLIN/CLINTON
William C. Wales, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. He was born in Clinton, the son of the late Francis and Alberta (Wood) Wales, and had lived in Berlin most of his life until building his dream log home in Clinton 17 years ago.
He leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Beverly (Blair) Wales; three children, Bonnie Kiley and her husband, Steven of Pittsburg, NH, Wendy (Durkin) LaFlamme and her husband, David of Shrewsbury, and Robert Wales and his wife, Sharon of Northborough; eight grandchildren, Danielle, Shawn, Cullen & Caisey Durkin, Ryan, Shaina & Nicole Wales, and Army Pvt. Tyler Kiley; two sisters, Beverly Soini of Fitchburg, and Carolyn Gray of Clinton; one brother, Robert Wales and his wife, Bonnie of Tucson, AZ; and nieces and nephews.
Bill retired from the US Army as a SFC, serving 21 years. He was in the 110th Armor and spent 11 years in the 101st Infantry. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Berlin Lions Club, and a charter member of the Hudson Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Bill was a coach for the Berlin youth baseball and youth hockey. He was a football official for pop warner, youth and high school football. For the last 7 years, Bill enjoyed driving a school bus transporting after school sports teams.
He enjoyed NASCAR, and attended many races with family and friends. He was a great fan of both Dale Earnhardt, Sr. & Jr. and collected their memorabilia. Bill raced his own stock-car at the former Westboro Speedway for many years. Bill also played football for Hudson High and later for the Marlboro Shamrocks. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots. He enjoyed camping, and had many friends at the Lamb City Campground in Phillipston.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 20, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home Memorial Chapel (previously Christ the King Church), 48 Central Street, Hudson. Funeral services for Bill will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, January 21 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson.