Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
William Berry Waddell, affectionately known as Bill or Willy, passed away on July 6, 2024, at the age of 93 at his daughter's home in Williamsport, PA, with family and his beloved dog, Phoebe.
Born on May 21, 1931, in Jersey Shore, PA, Bill graduated from Jersey Shore Area High School in 1949. Bill proudly served in the Army from 1951 to 1955, including during the Korean War, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his country.
Following his military service, he embarked on a diverse career path that included roles at the Jersey Shore Police Department, Buttorff's Hardware, Avco, Jersey Shore Area School District as a custodian, and at WACC/Penn College as a Security Officer. He even briefly ran his own business “Bill’s Fix-it Shop”. A man of many talents and hobbies, Bill was known for his ability to repair and create, often salvaging materials to craft useful items like cabinets and shelves.
His interests were varied and included operating CB and Ham Radio, flying radio-controlled airplanes, metal detecting, motorcycle riding, beer/wine making, gardening, breeding fish, puzzles, bird watching, pottery, painting, hunting for arrowheads, and coin collecting. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone in need. Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jersey Shore, PA, where he participated actively in the community's spiritual life.
He leaves behind a loving family: his children Dana A. Waddell and Dianna (Dee) L. Waddell Jacobs; son-in-law Matthew C. Jacobs; daughter-in-law Colleen M. Waddell; grandchildren Melissa and Jonathon Waddell, Kaitlyn, Konnor and Kameron Hensler; step-grandchildren Miranda, Joseph and Jared Jacobs; and his lifelong best friend, Jim (Pat) Kerns. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Dorothy "Dottie" Hamm Waddell in 2010, and his parents, Dana R. and Elva Engle Waddell.
A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on July 12th at 11:00am at Welker's Funeral Home, 125 N. Main St, Jersey Shore, PA, which is also assisting the family with arrangements.
Bill's life was marked by his resourcefulness, dedication, and the deep connections he forged with those around him. His legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William B. Waddell, please visit our floral store.