Cover photo for William Lee "Bill" Crain's Obituary
William Lee "Bill" Crain Profile Photo

William Lee "Bill" Crain

August 4, 1937 — April 17, 2013

William Lee "Bill" Crain

A celebration of life service for William Lee “Bill” Crain, of Sperry, was held Friday, May 3, 2013 at Sperry Christian Church in Sperry, OK. Brother Mitch Leonard and Brother Frank Brummett officiated and a private family committal followed. Honorary casket bearers were Bill’s Poker Buddies.

Bill was born August 4, 1937 in Skiatook, OK to Edgar B. and Ruth (Metzger) Crain. He passed away April 17, 2013 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 75.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Collene Wakely Crain; children, Jeff Crain and wife Trish; Susan Cannon and husband Mike, Joe Wakley and wife Jackie, Brian Wakley and wife Monica, Debbie Veale Wakley and husband Clayton; grandchildren, Brad Crain, Brandon Crain, Brian Crain, Richard Jones, Brian Wakley, Josh Wakley, Stephani, and Eric Ayers; great-grandchildren, Jazmine Ayers, Zander Ayers, and Jase Cooper Crain; brothers and sisters, Noel Crain, Karen Batchelor, and Vicki Thurman; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Jim Crain, William Eugene Crain, Ruth Ann Crain, and Sherry Crain; and parents, Edgar and Ruth Crain.

Bill attended school at Roosevelt and Central High School. He was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Private First Class in a division known as “Hell on Wheels” and he drove the unit commander. Bill was employed and retired from Beard’s Auto Salvage. In 1986, he started his own business AAA Auto Salvage and continued that business for over 25 years, and then went on to open AAA Auto Sales. Bill was an entrepreneur with ownership of several small business real estate properties. He also enjoyed the restoration of any kind of old car.

Bill has held the position as Mayor of the town of Sperry, and until his passing played an active role in the town’s business. He also served as the Commissioner of the fire and police departments, as well as supporting other local fire departments. Bill also played an active role in the establishment of the gazebo in downtown Sperry. He purchased an old building in the town of Sperry that has now become known as the Senior Citizen’s Center. It serves many residents in the town that he has been so devoted to.

Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and began auto racing. This was a past time that he enjoyed greatly. Bill sponsored several racers, including his sons, daughter, and grandsons. His hobbies include, bowling, fishing with his grandsons, and Saturday night card playing with his good friends. He spent time at numerous auctions as it was a past time that he really enjoyed as he always loved to get a good deal. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonfhsperry.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Lee "Bill" Crain, please visit our flower store.

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