Willard "Bill" Frank Machle III

Willard "Bill" Frank Machle, III, 63, of Aurora, departed this life March 1, 2023 suddenly, in his sleep, and in an instant left his loved ones with a profound void. He is survived by the love of his life, Teresa Machle; his beloved brother, Christopher Machle (Maria); his adored niece, Emma Machle; his very special stepsons, Jordan Wiley (Emily) and Jacob Wiley; his granddaughter and adventure buddy, Kamryn Jade Wiley; and his best friend, Becky Heath. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Frank Machle, Jr. and Mildred Ardele Grytness Machle.

In retrospect, it now seems that Bill spent the past couple of years showing us how to live more fully, and how to love someone completely. During that time, except for very brief periods, he and Teresa were together every hour of every day. They had the very best time of their lives putting highway miles on their truck as they looked for the perfect adventure boat, which they found in their dear Mouse-a-Roni. They brought her home up the Intracoastal Waterway after taking her exploring from western Florida down to Key West and many points in between. After all that close-quarters time together, it would have made perfect sense for husband and wife to need some time apart, but not Bill and Teresa--they had had too much fun discovering how well each had made the other's part in the journey easier.

There were things that we always knew we could count on Bill for. We counted on him to come through the door with unnecessary force and to sweep us up in crushing bear hugs. We counted on him to unabashedly and spontaneously express what he thought about us. We counted on him to keep close and honor the memory of mother and father. We counted on him to remind us, vociferously, that family was a beautiful thing, to always makes us laugh and know he loved us dearly.

Bill served his country honorably in the US Army. Afterward, he attended Washington College and Towson State University. He worked for some years in construction and in other fields before finding that his professional interests ultimately lay in the field of emergency medical services. Bill became an EMT and volunteered with Pamlico Rescue Squad. He then served on the Aurora EMS from 2013 to 2021. He also served with the Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, enjoying some of his most challenging but rewarding times, bathed in the camaraderie of the emergency services family that was so dear to him.

We're sure it was well with his soul, and that his adventurous spirit lives on.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aurora EMS, Aurora Fire Department, Triangle VFD 17, or to

Pamlico Rescue in his memory.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.