William Ralls Easley

William Ralls Easley, 88, of Spotsylvania, died Sunday, June 5th at Mary Washington Hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Arlene Easley, son Rick Easley and wife, Gail of Spotsylvania, daughter Pat Deutsch and husband, Tony of Spotsylvania, daughter Kathi DeSouter and husband Bob of Pocomoke City, MD, stepchildren Johann Roberts, David Roberts and Tina Riggleman of Spotsylvania, Cynthia King of Bardstown, KY; grandchildren Holly and Thad Williams, Elizabeth and Tim Easley, Heather, Rebecca and Johnathan Dunn, Eleasha, Lydia and Charity Roberts, Emily Messick, Rachel Smith; great-grandchildren Jalin, Kyle, Caleb and Jake and his beloved dog, Chancie. Born in Chase City, VA, he was the only child of the late William T. Easley and Fay Clevenger Easley. As an employee of the U.S. Army during World War II, he was transferred on D-day to Fort A.P. Hill where he joined the fire department. He retired from the federal fire service at Dahlgren in 1973 after 29 years. Both during and after his time in the fire service he held many interesting positions; he drove thousands of miles behind the wheel of the Mary Washington College bus, he created and directed the Fredericksburg City school’s bus system while at Colonial Transit and later as a city employee, was employed by Hilldrup Moving and Storage as a transportation manager, drove the activity bus for Chancellors Village and was still driving professionally when he retired one last time at age 78. If it had wheels, he could drive it. He was a veteran member of the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department since 1952 and was a state fire instructor. Dad was an amazing guy. While he never had the opportunity to attend college, he was knowledgeable in many subjects and enjoyed reading his entire life. He could fix anything we brought him and loved working in his shop. In retirement, he fixed all of the neighborhood lawn mowers and repaired discarded bicycles which he then donated to the Salvation Army. He told us corny jokes, took us camping, hauled us to the emergency room and most importantly, taught us the value of hard, honest work. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 8th from 6-8pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. He will be buried next to his mother in Chase City, VA at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Salvation Army at 2012 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Online condolences may be made at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com