William “Bill” Hawley passed peacefully surrounded by his family May 21, 2024, in Purcell at the age of 69 years 11 months 20 days. Memorial Services were held Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Purcell First Baptist Church, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.
Bill was born June 1, 1954, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to John Thomas and Joanne Marie (O’Malley) Hawley.
Bill’s journey began with promise and purpose. Raised in Lowell, he pursued knowledge and graduated from Nashoba Valley Technical School in 1973, laying the foundation for a future filled with dedication and perseverance.
In 1977, Bill answered the call to serve his nation and was inducted into the United States Air Force. With unwavering pride and commitment, he donned his uniform with honor until his honorable discharge in 1995, earning the enduring moniker “Wild Bill” along the way.
On October 2, 1979, Bill joined in marriage with his beloved Sandi Guthrie in Headrick, Oklahoma. For over 45 years, their bond stood as a testament to love’s enduring strength and resilience. In the tapestry of his interests, Bill found solace and joy in simple pleasures. Whether casting a line into calm waters or immersing himself in the pages of a cherished book, he found peace in moments of quiet reflection.
An avid gardener with a green thumb that nurtured both vegetables and sunflowers alike, he reveled in nature’s abundance. Bill’s affinity for black and white films and classic westerns spoke to his timeless spirit, while his love for ice skating embodied grace in motion.
A devoted fan of both the Red Sox baseball and Boston Bruins hockey, he cheered passionately from the sidelines. His meticulous care for his lawn mirrored his reverence for God’s creations as he embraced stewardship with a generous heart. Above all else, Bill treasured moments spent with family. Every gathering was an opportunity to create cherished memories, but it was in the laughter and light of his grandchildren that his world truly sparkled.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joanne Hawley.
Survivors include his wife, Sandi Hawley; his daughter, Moriah Hawley and husband, Justin Condict; his son, Keegan Hawley and wife, Laura; his grandchildren, Winnie Hawley and Austin Hart; his sisters, Debbie Mullin and husband, Peter, Donna Burnham and Linda Bernard and husband, Derek; and numerous other relatives and friends.