William “Bill” Wadleigh of Dallas, Texas passed away May 26, 2020, surrounded by love, at the age of 89. He was born on December 3, 1930 to William D. Wadleigh and Mary (Holub) Wadleigh in Manhattan, New York. Bill served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. He worked for Caruth Building Service in the steel industry for most of his career and retired from Daniel Steel. After he retired, Bill volunteered with Crossroads Community Services for 16 years.
Bill married Beverly Ficklin on May 3, 1996 in Dallas, Texas. Bill and Beverly have been members of First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas for over 20 years.
One of Bill’s fondest life involvements was the 44 years that he spent as a Director for Dallas Margarita Society, Inc. (dba Dallas Children’s Charities). DMS is a local charity that’s known for its annual Dallas Margarita Ball and for gifting millions to DFW area kids in need. As a founder and past President of DMS, Bill’s memoires include a lifetime of “lifting spirits” and giving back. His imprint has forever shaped this charity through his friendship and perseverance. His camaraderie, continuous affiliation, and high visibility at most every DMS event over 44 years since inception can never be matched. His peers in DMS believe “Bill’s humility and dedication were his gifts to all of us.” In 2019, DMS edified their comrade by dedicating an annual service award in his name, The Wadleigh Award, to be given each year to a DMS peer that personifies Bill’s spirit of embracing those qualities of camaraderie, charity, and noble legacy, assuring that the organization’s mission of “Party With A Purpose” will continue to endure.
In the days following Bill’s passing, the family has been blessed with so much love and kindness from friends with repetitive comments about his gentle soul, the joy and laughter he brought to other’s lives, sweetest man, biggest heart and that smile that could light up a room.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Beverly Wadleigh of Dallas, TX; daughters, Donna Molock of Cedar Hill, TX and Sheri Morse of Irving, TX; sister, Marie Owens; niece, Gina Paterson; nephew, John Paterson, all of Selden, NY; stepsons, Troy Ficklin and wife, Cass of Garland, TX and Johnny Ficklin of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Brandon Molock and wife, Jen of Mansfield, TX, Bria Molock of Fort Worth, TX, Chance Morse of Irving, TX, and Chaney Morse-Estes and husband, Andrew Estes of Dallas, TX; Joshua Ficklin and wife, Samantha and Lauren Ficklin and fiancé, Derek Reynolds, all of Sacramento, CA, August Ficklin and Sophie Ficklin, both of Garland, TX; great-grandchildren, Trey Feigle of Mansfield, TX, James Reynolds and Wyatt Ficklin, both of Sacramento, CA.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William D. Wadleigh; mother, Mary Frigenti; and mother of Donna and Sheri, Mary Lou Wadleigh.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of invited guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2020, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, a recorded video will be available following the funeral service on Bill Wadleigh’s obituary page. www.TJMfuneral.com
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to Crossroads Community Services, https://ccsdallas.org/give/ and to Dallas Margarita Society (dba Dallas Children’s Charities), https://www.dallasmargaritasociety.org/product-category/patron-donation/
Youtube link for service https://youtu.be/XOTJ8-uSL0g
Youtube link for interment https://youtu.be/_kEXLDOEGjY