William "Bill" Fred Oakes

William “Bill” Fred Oakes, 81, of Woodruff, SC passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025. He was born in Milford, CT on November 4, 1943 to the late Edmond F. Oakes and Gladys K. Brooks Hewson.

Bill graduated from Staples High School in Westport, CT in 1961. He began his working life as a mechanic at his father’s gas station in Westport before enlisting in the United States Army. There, he honed his skills as an aircraft maintenance technician and later as an instructor. A Vietnam Veteran, Bill earned the US Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Medal, Sharpshooter Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He also received many commendations for his missions and service as an instructor. Bill finished first in many of his maintenance courses and was honorably discharged in 1966 as Specialist 2nd Class.

Following his military service, Bill returned to Westport where he started his career in the fire service. Bill became a Certified EMT and Fire Marshall. He held the position of Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain. Bill retired as Assistant Chief in 1987. Never one to sit idle, he spent the next ten years self-employed in retail.

Bill was a proud and dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He first joined VFW Post 399 in Westport in 1966 and later became a Gold Legacy Lifetime Member of VFW Post 9539 in Roebuck, SC, where he served as Trustee for several years. At the VFW, he was affectionately known as “Wild Bill”, a name that reflected his spirited personality. He loved spending time at the post with his many friends, especially trivia nights with his team, “Navy Blue and Gold.”

Much like his grandfather, Bill was an avid woodworker. He could be found in his workshop in his spare time creating and building anything from furniture to radio-controlled model airplanes. His passion for aviation extended beyond his hobby; he was an active member of multiple radio-controlled flying clubs, most recently the WCRC Skyhawks. Among his fellow club flyers, he was known as “Electric Bill” for his dedication to flying all-electric planes. He also dedicated his time as a longtime volunteer at the Sun ’n Fun Expo in Lakeland, FL.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Jill Joseph (Sherard Savage) of Hamden, CT; granddaughters, Alysia and Lilyana Joseph of Hamden, CT; ex-wife, Susan Oakes of Hamden, CT; sister, Carol Reeder of Jacksonville, FL; nephew, Christopher Reeder of Auburndale, FL; niece, Stephanie Henley of Jacksonville, FL; and several great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at the VFW Post 9539, 325 Carolina Dr Ext, Roebuck, SC 29376 on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2pm; he will be returning to his beloved home state. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the VFW, in his honor.