William W Wakeman

Alabama's oldest teenager graduated to glory on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Born and residing on Lewiston Road for all of his 88 years, Bill Wakeman lived, loved, and served his family and neighbors with generosity and joy.

Bill was born on October 5, 1937, to Edith Newton Wakeman and William Henry Wakeman, who trained him in the ways of self-sufficiency that were a hallmark of Bill's life.

In 1956, Bill was in the last class to graduate from the original Oakfield-Alabama High School (now the School House Manor Apartments). He held several post-graduation jobs; the most memorable was as a delivery driver for Western Provision, due to a particularly sweet waitress who served him coffee on his route. Visiting Critics Greek Restaurant regularly cemented the love of his life. Bill married Beverly Jane Smith, (aka Mrs. America) on October 17, 1964, at the Alabama United Methodist Church, celebrating with a reception at the Alabama Odd Fellows Hall. He began work at Graham Manufacturing in 1967, exercising his precision and attention to detail working as a machinist, retiring from there in 2000.

Settling into the house that Bill built on Lewiston Road, the Wakeman family grew with the addition of three children. Bill faithfully invested in his children's lives, attending sporting events, sledding trips to Genesee County Park and Mudrzynski's Hill, and reading The Night Before Christmas with all of the kids piled on his lap, regardless of age.

An example of Bill's sense of adventure was traversing the United States several times with his extended family in tow in a 1971 VW bus. Bill proudly visited all 48 continental states behind the wheel of a van.

Bill also shared his wisdom and talents throughout the community as a firefighter with the Alabama Fire Department, as a Scout Master with Alabama's Troop 36, as a dedicated elder and trustee at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, and as a Sunday school teacher for more years than anyone can remember. He shared his well-developed skills as a jack of all trades wherever he went, as well as at the church, working in every area of both new church buildings.

Bill was known as a mean barbeque chicken chef, teaching generations of future barbeque pit masters. Among his many gardening talents, he mastered the art of growing parsnips, with faithful fans visiting his roadside TV-tray parsnip stand annually. He grew an array of flowers so he always had fresh flowers to give to his cherished wife. Early in their marriage, he was known to drop them between the main door and the storm door, ring the doorbell, and run. He shared the bounty of his garden and field gleanings with neighbors and family far and wide, providing many with food to put up for the winter.

Bill kept close association with the Oakfield Alabama Class of '56, enjoying their monthly lunches. He also enjoyed gatherings and trips with the Corfu Seniors.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Beverly Jane (Smith) Wakeman, his children Dan (Cathy) Wakeman and Becca (Sam) McDowell, grandchildren Caleb, David, Bryan, Rachel, Ben and Alex, and great granddaughters Phoebe & Lucia. He is predeceased by his youngest son, James Paul.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Additional calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, 5329 South Gravel Road, Medina, NY 14103. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m., with interment to follow at the Alabama Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, Orleans County Christian School (same address as church), or CareNet of Orleans County, 168 South Main Street, Suite 2, Albion, NY 14411.