William Billy Lee Avalos

In the song of life, William Lee Avalos was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, William preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, William believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. William perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

His parents were John Avalos and Mary Salce. William was raised in Azusa, California. As a young child, William was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. William rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, William showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with eight siblings. He had seven brothers, Louie, Frankie, John, Ritchie, Rudy, Alfred, and Robert, and one sister, Julie. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, William developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, William liked concrete things. Growing up, William took part in flag football. He loved the Alexander the Great story. However, to William, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, William showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide William with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Azusa High School in 1968. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Art class. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Ms. Wyworsky, his art teacher. He won Battle of the Bands, and played guitar and sang in Rock and Roll bands.

In college, William showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested him. Using his understanding of language, William was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. He also demonstrated his artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. William’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. He earned his certificate and license in Cosmetology at Citrus College. His favorite courses were Photography and Film History.

Those who didn’t know William well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. William was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of William’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rick, Luke, Jay and Mark, Jeff Rounds, George Madrigal, and John Priebie. Later in life, he became friends with Sue Baie and Burnaby St. Gang and coworkers.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, William had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On December 20, 1987, William exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Teresa Ellen Moore at the a cabin built in the 1940's of Big Bear, CA.

William was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. William was blessed with two children, Jeffrey William and Amoreena Rose.

William found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was Hairdresser and General Stores clerk. He was employed for 24 years at City of Hope Medical Center. William tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

William was a US Army veteran 1970-1972. He was in the 1st Armored Division in Germany. William served during the Vietnam Era. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Specialist-4 (E4). He received several awards recognizing his for him heroism including a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter rifle badge. William’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

William enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were music and playing guitar, photography, and reading. William was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

William liked sports. In high school, William ran track. Recreational sports included City of Hope bowling team. William was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball and boxing.

Throughout his life, William was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, William was a member of the choir. Throughout his later years, William was an active member of the American Legion. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

William was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he took an active role in his community. A loyal contributor, William was comfortable in the role of a team player. Politically, William was Democrat. William was able to serve his community well, thanks to his open mind and faithful commitment.

William’s faith was important to him. He was raised Catholic and became a Christian as a young adult. William's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Because he loved the world around him, William enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. William put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included Seal Beahc, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Piru, New York and Hawaii. He loved vacations with his family.

William was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of William’s favorites was Goldie, his dog and Pearly, his cat.

In retirement, he found new pleasure in car shows, music, and playing guitar. Even in retirement, William continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

William passed away on February 18, 2011 at San Dimas Community Hospital. William fought a brave battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Terry Avalos; his children Jeff and Amoreena; his brothers and sisters, Louei, John, Richie, Rudy, Julie, Alfred, and Robert. Services were held at Oakdale Mortuary.

William was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. William always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. William was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember William Lee Avalos.