Dear Woleslagle Family,

I was very sorry and sad to hear this news.  I was privileged to know The Gaffer for a few years and have always been grateful to he and Sue for treating me like part of the family.  He was always so kind, witty and such fun to be around.  Only God and time will heal your hearts but you will always have such wonderful memories (my dad passed away in 2003 so I speak from experience). Take comfort in knowing that he is in his heavenly home and there is no more pain as there is no cancer in heaven for which I am personally thankful.

Sue - take care of yourself and I know the boys and Betsy will take care of you too!

With much love and prayers!

Dear Sue, David, Ted, Greg, Betsy and family,  I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bills passing.  While I write this with tears in my eyes I am also overwhelmed with many happy memories of time spent with Bill and the Woleslagle clan and the many friends that always seemed to just show up at your house.  Bill (and of course Sue) always made us feel so welcome, even when I didn't bring a six pack.  
I know you were very close and will always miss him but please know the hurt does get better.  I lost my Dad in 2002 and still miss him greatly, but somehow it is different now.  When I think of him or when we speak of him, it is always with a smile or a laugh, and that makes me feel really good.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.  And to Bill, "It was nice talking to you!"
Much love

I look back to when I was young. I will never forget what my dad did to me one time when I was little girl. When my dad took all of my family somewhere North from our home in Pa, I was sitting in the front with my dad and mom while my brothers were sitting on back of the station wagon car. While Dad was driving, I was bored and started biting some of my fingernails.  He slapped my hand real hard and said DON'T bit your fingernails ever again. I was shocked that he hit my hand real hard and hurt me. Guess what? I never bit my fingernails again. It actually worked. I thanked him for that.  

He always tried to make sure that he was there when I played sports. I know that he missed many of my sporting events because he had to travel for work, but anytime he could be there to watch me, he was. He taught me all I know about football and baseball while I was growing up. He made sure his daughter knew sports! I am proud that he was my father and my mentor. I love you, Dad!

Hi Sue & Woleslagle Family,

Bill's Celebration of Life service was a wonderful tribute to a most deserving man.  The spoken passages, heartfelt eulogies and beautiful music could not have been more perfect.  Cindy and I were so honored to be there.   

Sue, we always enjoyed seeing you and Bill at the annual Ted & Kathy Christmas Decompression Party.  I knew from the very first time I met Bill we would hit it off because of our similar political philosophies and viewpoints.  In fact, we unconsciously competed on who knew more about the government's political workings and what world solutions ought to be.   He knew more.  Way more.  Those back and forth discussions were always a pleasurable experience for me and looked forward to each year.  As we both moved on to other conversations at those gatherings, I would always pause a moment and think to myself, Bill sure knows a lot about a lot of things and how very lucky everyone was to have him in their life.  As I  looked around the different rooms, I was always warmed and impressed with the Woleslagle clan embracing and having such a great time with family and friends from all walks of life.  I then realized as a dear friend of your children and their spouses how we were so blessed to be connected and a small part of your extended family.  You and Bill are the cornerstone and the reason why we are all together.  Thank You!

Eventually time will lessen the grief that you all are experiencing and will foster everlasting memories of Bill.  May his eternal life, free from pain, help you all find peace.  Our hearts are with you.

I won the lottery when Bill became my father-in-law 29 years ago. Bill was a charmer with an easy smile and eyes that danced as he engage you in warm conversation and fun quips about the world. Bill was extremely well read in a variety of subjects, he enjoyed learning and sharing his knowledge with others who appreciated our vast world as he did. He loved to chuckle at life. He was amused by the world around him. People from all walks of life were drawn to Bill by his warmth and quick-wit:  his jolly grin.

I will cry because Bill is gone. I will smile because I knew Bill well. I will laugh as I remember our rambling banter of juxtaposition views about most everything as we bounced across the waves of topics, smiling and laughing, poking and prodding, exploring each other's polar views.

It was my privilege to have known Bill for so long, as family. Thank you for that gift and the gift of your first born as my husband.

I was so very blessed to have the best papa in the world, I'm also very blessed to have had such a close relationship with him and mama. They are my second set of parents, they have made me the person I am today. I catch myself saying some of his one liners such as: "good grub" I leave off the babe part,  if you have ever been on a road trip you would know the line "we're off like a heard of turtles". Papa also use to call Lynn and I kudzu one and kudzu two, the other day I told Bryson he was growing like kudzu it made me smile and think of papa. I miss and love you papa.

Mom,
Nancy and I are very thankful to the God for you and Dad. Your example of a loving faithful marriage fortified by faith in Jesus Christ has been an encouragement to us. We look forward to the time we will all worship Him together without the baggage of sin and limited vocal talents. Until then we are thankful we will have more time with you sharing our memories and lives as we continue our journey to the promised land.

Love,
Greg & Nancy & kids

What can be said about Bill that hasn't already been said?  He lived as he was, and everyone knew him as he was  a humble, loving, Godly man, proud of his family and consumed by baseball.  

Sue, you know your loss more than any of us.  I can't even begin to imagine it.  But know that we are all here for you.  We want you to be happy in this next part of your life and will do anything to help you achieve peace. We all know that Bill would want you to carry on and live the life that you both built.  Anything you need.  Anything.

To the kids and grandkids:  He was proud of all of you.  I think he took great pride in Dave's service to our country and his intellect, Ted's gentle kindness and steadfast, consistent approach to everything, Greg's unswerving religiousness and his dedication to his family, and Betsy's fortitude in making her way through challenge and adversity.  The grandkids, all of them, surely felt his love and affection - the older girls (and Tommy) benefitting most from growing up with Papa and Mama as their very young grandparents, and they will have lots of memories to cherish.  Lucky.  So lucky.

I entered the picture late and didn't know Bill as long, but I learned quickly - DO NOT talk to him while the game is on.  And if you do, prepare to be ignored.  Where I connected most with Bill was his wry sense of humor  a sense of humor he retained until the end.  I believe his quick wit and sense of irony sustained him through his illness almost as much as his faith and his devotion to his family. 
 
I'm proud to be part of this family and like all of you will miss Bill for the rest of my life.  Every spring I know there will be a moment of remembrance on Opening Day where I will picture that happy grin, relishing the long spring, summer and fall ahead where balls will fly and bats will be swinging for the heavens.  And I know that's where our sweet Bill sits watching.

Hey Bill,
I'm sure you'll get this   as I'm sure all of my departed family observes and watches over me.  I picture all of you sitting around a communal table shaking your heads and laughing at our continued buffoonery down here.

Bill, you have been a part of my initial cadre' of family - the Tyrone contingent - that was always there for me from my earliest memories as a kid.  Cousins by marriage I suppose, but older and wiser in many ways.   You and Susie upended the theory of relativity' for me   such that I have always looked up to the two of you as de facto Aunt and Uncle.  In many ways, you and Susie have been the bridge across generations for me.

For me, personally though, your legacy is much more than that of a favorite uncle.   To me, your legacy is the family that you have raised so well and of which I count myself lucky to know and hold close.  If you and Susie have been my closest Aunt and Uncle, Dave, Ted, Greg and Betsy are like brothers and sister to me.  My ATL family.   We may not connect regularly, but when we do   it's like it was yesterday.

I will miss you Bill.  But you will always be in my thoughts   along with the others around that familial table in my mind.   A kiss for my Mom and hug for my Dad if you will

Dave, Renee and Will the Thrill'

Sitting in Bill's Memorial service and listening to each speaker made me realize how intertwined he was in my life. I had always been welcome in their home and all his children were my friends. I had some lunches with him and Dave after he knew his days were numbered. His courage was so admirable. His wit was quick and sharp but always in good humor. Most of all, the choice of going to Glenhaven Presbyterian would affect my life for years. I stayed there long after they moved to Mt Carmel Christian. I worshipped there, was married there, and raised my children there. I will never have a memory from those times that won't include Bill and Sue from this day on. You will be missed. Thanks for touching my life.

My papa ( William Thomas Woleslagle, for whom my brother Tommy was named after) joined his namesake in heaven today...
The world lost an incredible human being...
My Papa has shown me the meaning of love and grace more than anyone I've ever met.
He fought for over two years against his cancer to live longer and have just a little bit more time and memories for his wife of 58 years, knowing the pain he would go through...
He didn't care because he loved her and our family so much...
He gave that gift to us.
I can't begin to attempt to portray the amount of respect, admiration and awe I have for the man my grandfather was.
I'm honored that I can say that he was MY Papa.
And,
Want to thank him for all that he did for me and those that he loved and knew him in the community.

P.S. Papa:
(I'm sure Tommy is up there showing you the ropes and I look forward to the day I see you again... I'm happy that you're free)

Time has momentum, it builds as we get older. In high school it goes so slow but now at my age its barreling down the road so fast all I can do is hold on.   
     Sometimes we fiorget to reflect on the people and families that share our ride at various times. I want you all to know Bill and Sue did an excellent job of raising their children.  Bill had a wit about him and he was a kind gentle man.  I am a better person for knowing him and his family.  He will be missed

Dad,
We haven't said "goodbye", only "Until we meet again", but I wanted to put down for Mom, and for me, what I learned from you.  First, that intelligence, focus and the love of a good woman can overcome anything you just happened to be born into.  You got us out of a declining paper mill town and into a world of opportunity.  Even if I did find that mine was to work for the government, much to your chagrin.  You did give me a bye on the Navy years! 

You taught me what it truly means for two to become one, forging a bond that no power on earth could break.  I'll never think of you without thinking of Mom, nor Mom without thinking of you.

You showed me that life is serious, that actions have consequences, and that your word should be given sparingly, but kept perpetually once given.  Most importantly, you showed that humor is God's gift to us to help make everything more manageable, no matter how dark the clouds might appear.

Finally, you taught me how to handle extreme adversity with Grace and the power of Faith.  For two years you faced the worst the mortal world can throw at a person with pluck, good spirits, positive attitude and more concern for your bride than yourself.  Divinely inspired, I realize, but let me tip my hat to the earthly vessel for it.

I thought I lost you two years ago and nearly gave in to the bitterness at that loss.  Instead, you showed me that God gave us the gift of the Gaffer for two more rich, full years. There's a scene in "Trouble With the Curve" where Eastwood's character is at his wife's grave.  The inscription on the tombstone reads "May God grant you extra innings".  He did, and I'm grateful.

The video of Bill's life is a beautiful tribute to the gentleman loving known as The Gaffer.  He will be missed by family and friends. With deepest sympathy Ruth and Vestal Fulp  Greensboro NC

Papa's service on Thursday was absolutely perfect. It was sad by nature, but it was also happy and celebratory. The church was full of people who loved him and whose life had been touched by Papa. Then, afterwards, plenty of people met up to raise a toast to Papa and share laughs and memories. The night ended in the wee hours of the morning with his family at his house, still just laughing and hanging out. It was the kind of day Papa would have loved: his family, his friends, his church, good food, and talk of baseball.

Furthermore, I was able to keep a promise. Nearly 20 years ago, I promised my grandparents I would sing Amazing Grace at their funerals/services. By the grace of God (and thoughts of dirty socks) I was able to sing the song without crying. It was my last and greatest gift to a man who was never just my grandfather, but a father-figure, supporter, and friend. 

For the rest of my life, I will miss him terribly. I am crushed that he departed this world so soon, but I am relieved he no longer and never will again feel pain. I am broken-hearted that he will not walk me down the aisle, but I am reassured in that he not only blessed this one-day marriage when Jimmy asked for my hand, but also believed we would have a great marriage and were a well-matched couple. Most importantly, I am reassured that this isn't a "goodbye", but a "see you later". 

Papa, as you said to me as a child: See you later, alligator.

Dear Mrs. Woleslagle and Clan,

Regretfully, I will not make it to the memorial service.  I am working in Montana and it is just about logistically impossible for me to finish up and make it to Atlanta on Thursday afternoon.  However, I wanted you to know that I really would like to be there.

I was thinking about Mr. Woleslagle and it occurred to me that when I first met him when I was 16 years old, he was attempting the trick of raising teenage boys (and of course one perfect daughter, but that was easy), just like I am doing now.  As I think of him in those days (the pre-AMC Pacer days), I realize he must have made quite an impression on me because I now use many of his tactics, i.e., 

1.I watch, enjoy and believe in the virtues of sports but I try not to push the boys to take part or judge their performance.  Sound familiar?; 
2.I have a strong faith and present opportunities for practicing religion, but I try not to preach to my sons even though I know faith is the key for their happiness; 
3.I try to sit back and let them make mistakes that I know they are about to make, because that is the only way they will learn.  But at the same time, I try to monitor their goings and comings, who they hang out with, how much homework they are doing and hints about their lives they reveal in conversations I overhear, from my chair in front of the TV, just like Mr. Woleslagle (he really had no desire to stay up late on Friday and Saturday  nights watching television, he was there for other reasons); 
4.I try to give advice sparingly and sometimes by telling my sons stories about my youth so they realize I went through the same things they are and it is no big deal;
5.I try to approach just about every situation, no matter how stressful, with humor, which is how I always think of Mr. Woleslagle.  The humor always put things into perspective, didn't it? 
6.Most of all, I try to enjoy my children for who they are and not try to change them, which Mr. Woleslagle excelled at. 

So, while Mr. Woleslagle passed away at an age earlier than some, I doubt that he had any regrets because when it comes to family, which is of course all that matters, I try to do it like he did and I certainly have no regrets.

So again, I apologize for not being there but I hope we can spend time in the future sharing memories.  He was a great Dad.

With love and respect,

Tommy (or as Mr. Woleslagle referred to me:  One-half of the lower two-thirds of the 1974 Towers Titans fullback depth chart)

Dear Sue
We deeply mourn your loss and sincere condolences at this irrepairable loss.
Bill's zest for life and his humor was evident through his personality. However he now rests  in eternal peace.
With prayers for your strength and may God Bless you and all of the Woleslagle family 
Asha, Abhi and Himmat

[Posted to Facebook, 5/15/15] A good friend, Bill Woleslagle died today. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Whenever Bill was asked how he was doing he would reply, "Better than I deserve." He knew that, without Jesus, the only thing we deserve as sinners is God's judgment. But because God loves us, He sent his Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sins so that we could have the type of relationship with God that He intended. Bill's life did not end today; his life with God continues for eternity in His presence.

To the entire Woleslage family, the entire Buskey family offers our condolences and strength at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt condolences to all of the Woleslagle family as you grieve the passing of Bill. May your faith anchor you all at this time of sadness. Bill is now resting fully restored within the full glory of our Lord having finished his journey on Earth and he will forever be a part of you.

Dave, Ted, and the entire Woleslagle family...I'm saddened to hear of your Dads passing.  He will be missed!  You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this transition from one life to the next.

My Wonderful Sue and family;  The SCC family will surely miss Bill.  Please know that we are praying for you always and God is a Good God!  He never
makes a mistake and we will see Bill again in the resurrection.  Until then, we will love and care for each other. Stay strong in the Lord.  Julia Blair

Greg and family, press on in the Lord.  Anita and Don Thomason

Dave and Ted,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I have your whole family in my thoughts.

Dave, and CJ - You and the Woleslagle family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a real class act.  We share in your grief.  Teri, Tim and Alex

Dave - very sorry to learn of your loss.  You, your family are in my prayers

We will certainly miss you Bill, but we know that you are alive and well and waiting for us! Looking forward to seeing you again!

OBITUARY

William (Bill) T. Woleslagle

September 25, 1940 – May 15, 2015

Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Cremation and Memory Gardens

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