Obituary of William C. Gley, Jr.

William C. Gley, Jr., 83, passed away at his home here in Havasu, with his wife, Helli, by his side, on March 27, 2020. Bill was born June 12, 1936, in Aurora, IL., where he graduated from East Aurora High School in 1954. While in high school, Bill joined the Naval Reserve Cadets. After graduation, Bill served as a Naval Photographer for two years and spent another six years in the Naval Reserve. Bill continued his passion for photography long after leaving the Navy. Bill retired from McDonnell Douglas after 20 years as a senior engineer/scientist. His previous wife, Marylou, passed from cancer in 2003 after 40 years of marriage. Bill was blessed with three daughters; Rachel, June and Becky, and with a son; William Gley, III, who was lost to cancer in 2009. Bill is also survived by his sister; Nancy, daughter-in-law; Amanda, step-daughter; Julie and step-son; Walter. Bill had 16 grand children, 34 great-grand children and 4 great-great-grand children plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill met his wife Helli, at a square dancing club here in Havasu, where she danced her way into his heart. The two were married here in October of 2006. The inseparable couple spent many happy years traveling in their RV to see family and friends, square dancing and bowling. They enjoyed a membership at our local Elks Club and Bill was a long-standing member of our local Eagles Aerie #298. He was also a dedicated supporter and member of the Presbyterian Church of Lake Havasu. A grave side service and Celebration of Life will take place here in Havasu at a later date. His wife and family request that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Bill Gley’s name to our local Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Havasu City, 1940 Mesquite Ave., Ste. I, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze. The Next Room Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other That, we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed At the little jokes we always enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant.