Obituary for
William H. Budge
William H. Budge, 80, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at the Knollwood Nursing Home after declining health. Bill was born September 23, 1935 in Worcester, the son of Mildred (Treadwell) and Frank H. Budge, and was a lifelong resident of North Grafton.
He leaves his wife of 59 years, Marlene L. (Temple); a daughter, Donna L. Charest (Stephen) of Grafton, two sons, Darryl H. Budge Sr. (Charlotte) of No. Grafton and David W. Budge (Debra) of Charlton; nine grandchildren: Daniel Charest (Lisa) of Salem, Jason Charest (Monica) of Worcester, Amanda Charest of Grafton, Darryl H. Budge, Jr. (Jessica), Pfc Matthew Budge (Andrea) of Vermont, Amy Bigley of Charlton, Valentina Budge of East Brookfield, Emily Atherton (Remington) of Connecticut, and Michael Dailey (Holly) of Florida and nine great-grandchildren: Cameron, Hailey, Ava, Andrew, Lucas, Kadence, Riley, Mason and Mya. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Francine Budge and grand-daughter Jessica Dailey.
Bill worked with his father in carpentry after graduation from Grafton High School, building and remodeling homes in the area. In 1968 he assumed ownership of the business changing the name to W.H. Budge Co. During the slow seasons he worked as a salesman at Ruby Marine. Through the 80's and 90's he built and sold picnic tables and lawn furniture. In 1987 he opened a furniture repair and woodworking shop which he operated until retirement. Bill was also a dedicated firefighter for the town starting with the Forest Fire Dept. as a teenager and retiring as Capt. of Engine 2 of North Grafton. He served in Civil Defense and was Chief Observer of the Ground Observer Corp. during the Korean War. He also joined the National Guard, serving in Company C, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry, 26th Yankee Division, retiring as Staff Sergeant E-6. He was Transportation Officer, Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 106 of North Grafton. He also worked part-time for the Grafton Highway Dept. as laborer, snowplow operator and contractor for many years. As owner of Bill's Trailer Sales he sold camping and utility trailers for several years.
Bill and his family loved camping. In later years he and his wife spent many happy times with friends at their Wells, Maine campground. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan and enjoyed gardening and country music.
The family would like to give a special thank you to all his caregivers who helped him over the last three years.
All are welcome to gather with Bill's family and friends Thursday September 8th from 4pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. A prayer service will be held Friday September 9th at 11:00am at the funeral home. He will then be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton. In lieu of flowers please honor Bill with a donation to the Grafton Food Bank PO Box 321 Grafton, MA 01519. Please visit an online guestbook to share a memory of Bill or message of sympathy with his family at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com