Obituary of Wilfred Earle

Retired Jacksonville Fire Chief Wilfred Willie Earle (82) passed away on April 26, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Willie died 17 days after the death of his wife of over 60 years, Faye. He is survived by daughter and granddaughter, Arlene and Traci Friesland; daughter and grandsons Carolyn, Sean and Matthew McMillan; mother-in-law, Bernice Crosby; sister-in-law Viva Taylor and her husband, Charles; sister-in-law Linda Kelly and her husband, Steve; brother-in-law W.C. Crosby and his wife, Leah. Willie was also survived by four nephews, Michael Taylor and his wife Nancy; Todd Crosby; Joel Kelly and his wife Jamie; Justin Kelly and his wife Rebecca; and great nieces, Christen Taylor, Brittany Taylor and Jessica Kelly; as well as many life long loving and caring friends. Willie was born in Oak Harbor, Ohio and moved to Jacksonville when he was six months old. He attended local schools and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. In 1945 he joined the Army Air Force, was commissioned as a LT and was trained to fly B-17 bombers during World War Two. After the war, Willie returned to Jacksonville and joined the Jacksonville Fire Department. For 39 years he dedicated his life to the safety of the citizens of Jacksonville. Willie was truly a part of Americas Greatest Generation. Willie was married to the love of his life for over 60 years and since his retirement; they seldom spent a moment apart. The family is comforted to know that Willie and Faye have now been reunited. The family wishes to thank the staff of Life Care Center of Jacksonville for the compassionate and caring services provided to Faye and Willie during the last several months of their lives and also wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Gary Decker, Dr. George Commacho and Community Hospice.