William "Bill" Straker

Bill was born on August 28, 1933 in Chattanooga, TN, the son of William R. and Arletta (Cates) Straker. He grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from high school there in 1952. He would then attend The University of Tennessee where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1956. He served on the college ROTC, and attended artillery school in Ft. Sill, OK.

On November 30, 1956, Bill was united in marriage to Jo Ann Bryant at the First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. They lived the first five years of their marriage there. To this union two children were born, Michael R. and Sonia.

Bill was a chemical engineer for W.R. Grace for forty plus years.

He was an avid golfer and loved his dogs. He enjoyed traveling. His job took him literally around the world several times. He was a family man, and people called him a “Real Southern Gentleman”.

Bill was an active member in Christ Chapel Church in Centerville. His Christian life shown thru his leadership and work at the church, as well as the kindness and generosity he gave to those around him.

He was a member of the Sandwich Rotary Club, and before moving was active in Lions Club.

For more than twenty years, Bill supported an orphan in Brazil thru the Christian Children’s Fund.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 year Jo Ann, of their home in Sandwich, his children; Michael Straker and his wife Martha of Pepperell, and Sonia Karalekas and her husband John of Lunenburg. Bill is also survived by four grandchildren Sara Straker, Stephen Straker and his fiancée Sabrina Goss, Trevor Karalekas, and Derek Karalekas. His brother Edward Straker and his wife Diane of Reston, VA also survives.

A visitation with the family will be held Wednesday January 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 o’clock PM at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rte. 6A, in Sandwich.

Funeral services will be Thursday January 15, at 11:00 o’clock AM at the Christ Chapel Church in Centerville. Pastor Myron Heckman, officiating.

Burial will in the Pepperell Cemetery, in Pepperell, on Friday January 16 at 11:00 o’clock AM..

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Child Fund, (Formerly the Christian Children’s Fund) 2821 Emerwood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294. Or online at childfund.org

Friends may share condolences and sign the register book online at www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com