B Wakeland

B D Wakeland

B.D.(Bilbrey Dyer) Wakeland known to many as Sonny, Wide Track, Sonny Honey, Dad, Father-in-law, and his favorite surname of Granddaddy, passed away while in recovery from a recent accident at Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center.B D always claimed to be an "independent rascal" as he lived until the age of 88. There were some special caregivers along the way, a few good and a few not-so-good, per B.D.;
Those include but not in any specific order: Peggy and Kevin, Stewart and Jill, Kitty, Becky, Mary, Tammy, Shorty, Carrie, Bmarine, Bessie, Eurau, Genova, Mary Jane Eubank, Amy, Vic, Rebecca, Sonny Southard, and all time favorite friend and neighbor, Jack O'Bannion. Special love and thanks go to the staff of Lighted Pathways Hospice led by Jim Colwell.

Meals on Wheels made it possible for Sonny to live in his own home, and due to this great organization the family requests that memorials be made to Meals on Wheels of Ellis County, 805 Ferris Ave, Suite D, Waxahachie, Texas 75165.

B D Graduated from Avalon High School in 1938, and continued his education at Trinity University. While at Trinity, he played basketball and baseball. One of his proudest moments in sports was when they won the championship and traveled to Kansas City by bus. B.D. also proudly served his country during World War II where he was stationed at the South Plains Army Airfield in Lubbock. As part of the 908th Quartermaster Aviation Service Company, he was assigned as a physical trainer and instructor for incoming recruits. He also continued playing his favorite sport, baseball, while in the army. He always stated he was not a war hero but it was an honor to serve his country. Not long after he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals minor league farm team, he married Daphne Wakeland. They eloped to Mexico to get married which preceded a "church wedding" the following year. They settled into the life as a farmer, librarian, and raising a family. B.D. was a long time member of the Central Presbyterian Church.

Survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Debra Wakeland with Grandson Joe Wilson Wakeland, he will be greatly missed. He was always quick to stop by the house in the morning with donuts and again in the afternoon with a cigar and beer in tow. A real character, one that will not be replaced anytime soon. He loved to listen to ballgames on the radio, Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant, cigars, Crown Royal, son, grandson, sister, wife, and daughter-in-law…enjoying these more than life itself. He always spoke his mind and you always knew where you stood with him, a sign of great character. He was the last of the Avalon Rat Pack…his buddies from Avalon which all preceded him in death were: Kenneth Wilson, Aubrey Berry, and Sterling Worthy. In fact, upon his dying bed he kept stating that Mr. Worthy had visited him the previous day. He was right there in the room with us, stating that Mr. Worthy commented, "don't stay too long B.D.".He compared his longevity to a five day old fish. He also thanked us all, knowing that it isn't easy to stay with someone sick. He also regretted not taking better care of his teeth and commented, "I thought I would be dead by now." We all laughed…yes, B.D. Wakeland will be missed by all!

A private graveside service will be held for the famiy.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home.
www.waynebozefuneralhome.com