William "Willie" Clifford Bales

William Bales, best known as Willie, was born on July 4th, 1965, to Mary (Mershon) and Roy Bales, in Yakima, WA. For obvious reasons, he thoroughly enjoyed the 4th of July and at any point of time during his short 60 years of life, you could find him listening to the sounds of AC/DC, Ted Nugent, or Willie Nelson while catching a drag race, on the water with a pole in his hand, or at any classic car show. 

Sadly, in the early hours of July 27th, 2025, and surrounded by his two youngest children, daughter-in-law, and two youngest grandchildren, Willie peacefully passed away in Puyallup, WA. 

Willie leaves behind his three children; Tamra, Kristina, and William, and daughter-in-law; Bobbi. As well as seven grandchildren; Caleb, Isaiah, Kailyee, Shayna, Aiden, Parker, and Paisley. Although saddened by his absence, they all know there was a long-awaited reunion with his late wife, Karla Bales, and eldest grandchild, Gabriel William. 

Prior to his passing, and due to his simplistic personality, Willie asked that there not be a formal service when his time came. However, his closest friends and family will spread his ashes on his first Angel Day in the same place he spread the ashes of his wife of 33 years, on the coast of Oregon, in 2026.