Richard W. "Dick" Wales, 77, of Crawford, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at his residence. A memorial graveside service will be 11AM Thursday, November 21st at China Spring Cemetery. A celebration of Dick’s life will be led by Billy Martin. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Dick was born October 11, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. Dick graduated from Waco High School. The family business, Wales Industrial Service, began in 1950. After 55 years of service to the company, he retired in 2005 as its president. He served with the Woodway Pubic Safety Department and later as a Reserve Deputy with the McLennan County Sheriff’s office. He was an avid airplane and helicopter pilot. At Christmas he enjoyed helping "Goodfellas" and others fly Santa to make special deliveries to some area families. He was a member of Partners, AGC, EAA Chapter 59, and many other organizations. He was a kind, generous and giving man and was always willing to lend a hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George B. and Marion Wales.
Survivors include his wife, Ollie Wales of Crawford; son, Chuck Wales of Durango, Colorado; daughters, Cookie Sorrentino and husband, Tony of China Spring, Linda Hail and husband, Mike of Hewitt, and Judy Pavelka of Crawford; grandchildren, Jennifer Davis, Bryan Davis, Amy Hail and Kevin Hail; two great-grandchildren, Reece and Camryn; and brother, Bob Wales and wife, Barbara of Hawaii.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Central Texas Humane Society.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Ollie,
So sad to hear that Dick had passed away. The occasions that I had to be involved in conversation and visiting with him were always delightful and pleasant. He was also of great assistance the several times we asked advice about equipment for our business. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Beverly and Larry Lawson
Meridian, Texas
Dick, I’m proud that you are my brother. I’m in Hawaii, as you know, and won’t be there in person today. But how wonderful has been the time I was there …every day for the past many weeks. Your memory of our childhood, our triumphs and disasters – the trip that we took down memory lane every day on the phone for an hour so around 4:30 in the afternoon. Cookie and Linda told me how wonderful it was to hear you laugh. I’m not there today, but we were together more in the last month that in years. And yes, you were a bigger SOB that I was, but well have to resume that argument when I catch up with you.
And I have to hand it to you. You went out in style. We talked a couple of days ago in the afternoon, – I remember how we shared what wonderful folks we had – then we said so long till tomorrow, Later, you went to bed, fell asleep, and God took you home.
You always claimed you could do things better than me, but gosh, I never expected you to show off on the way out.
I’m smiling today, and embracing the love and closeness we had. I suspect you’re smiling too.
You were one good man, and a great brother. Although I still think am the better looking one of us.
Sleep well.
Ollie, we so appreciate everything you and Dick did for the Waco Good Fellas. He was Santas original pilot and set this ball in motion. My daughter will never forget him teaching her to hover that copter over your pasture. He was a very good man and will be missed.
Judy and family we are so sorry for your loss Charlie and I have you in our prayers.
I remember Dick not only as Cookies dad but as a businessman . My dad and Dick shared a common interest both were in business . That was in the days when cellphones weren’t around. We were on the same two way radio system as Wales. I know we had to use Wales during our years in business. I remember dad and Dick talking business but there was always a "good laugh ". They had respect for each other . Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Cheryl Millsap Pratka
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Dick was an exceptional man whose heart was larger than him. He truly lived his life to the fullest. We will surely miss his friendship. Chester and Carla Pogue
The sun will shine across the river, and we will never be unhappy again.
dick was a very special man, and even a more very special friend.
I will miss you.
gary hurst
Ollie, I am so very sorry to have read passing. I will keep you and your family in my Prayers.
Love. Gerda
Dick was my boss for 11 years and although we might not have always agreed on everything, I always had admiration for him. I have been thinking about him all day and laughing at some of the stunts he pulled, and the ones that were played on him. He enriched the lives of me and my kids. Ollie and family, you were lucky to have him in your lives. Thank you Dick.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Ollie, Judy and all of the family. I will always remember Dick’s smile and humor. The helicopter ride he took Scott and me on is such a special memory. May he be flying in the clouds, forever free.
OLLIE AND FAMILY
WE OUR SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW.
DOROTHY, LYNDA AND AUSTIN PRICE
mrs wales, my family were renters of yours at 2627 proctor many years ago, you were always a very kind and caring person. we are sorry for your loss. God be with you always
Ollie, Some of the best times of my life were spent with you, Dick, Mom and Dad out at Robert Lee shooting at the mountain, riding in the ambulance, and keeping Dick awake after he had retired for the night. Thoughts and Prayers! Mike
We are so sorry for your loss.our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dick was an outstanding aviator & all-around great guy. EAA Chapter 59 pilots will be honored to perform a fly-by at his graveside service.
Cookie & Linda, So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a nice man and I know you will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
I know I am late in signing the guestbook, but I followed a piece of heavy equipment on I-35 yesterday that had WALES on the back of it and remembered I had been remiss. My husband, Larry Dieterich, was dying of cancer in 1998, and a friend found out that he wanted to take a helicopter ride (this was way before I had ever heard of a "bucket list"). So enter Dick Wales….he came by on several occasions, landed and picked up my husband from our home in Robinson, and flew him around. Sometimes they went to the airport and had popcorn and soda, sometimes they just spent time in the air, which my husband dearly loved. Mr. Wales even let him fly the helicopter. The last time Mr. Wales came to our home, Larry was so weak that our son and I had to lift him into the helicopter. He was frail and wearing his hoodie because he was always cold, but he was also wearing the biggest smile you have ever seen!! I will never forget that happy look on his face as he and Mr. Wales took flight for their last trip together. I could never repay Mr. Wales enough for fulfilling Larry’s dream, all I could do was thank him whenever I saw him. I feel certain he and Larry are enjoying having their "own" wings now….praying for peace and comfort for the family in your loss. May God richly bless you all.
Very few men had as great an influence and impact on my life than Dick. If it were not for Dick I would not have become a helicopter pilot or a Deputy Sheriff. I will always treasure the times we flew together, especially the flying and training at his and Ollie’s home. His kindness and generosity will truly be missed.
Richard A. Studer
Captain/Lead Pilot PHI Air Medical
Cookie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick was a wonderful person and a good friend to many. He will be greatly missed. We are saddened, but Heaven has welcomed an angel.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Dick once but have heard so many wonderful things about him through my husband (Howard). My heart and my prayers are with you all as you are grieving the loss of your husband and father. God Bless You!!
Chief! I worked for you for 20 yrs. I was never able to thank you enough for everything you did for me and taught me. You were like a second Dad to me. There will not be a day go by that Cookie and I don’t think about you. God Bless
I was very saddened by the news of Dicks passing. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. My condolences to to the family.
Never imagined life without you Papa, and not a day goes by I don’t think about you and miss you more and more. Love you
Cookie, I am so very sorry to here of your father passing. I remember working a short time for Dick Wales, wish it could have been longer. Hope you are doing well. You were always dear to my heart. Marty