William Atkins Haley

Dr. William Atkins Haley, age 87, passed from this life on to his next big adventure on October 20, 2017. He will take our love and laughter with him, but we will continue to celebrate his life and ours until we meet again in Heaven. Lovingly known as Bill, Doc, or Tata by his family, he was the middle son of Charles and Mabel Haley. He always said he had the best parents. Raised during the depression, his memories were never of hardship, but of love, family, and friends.

He accepted Christ at eight years old, and was baptized at the Paducah Baptist Church. He is a member of Parkland Baptist Church, where he so enjoyed his Sunday school class. A hard worker all his life, he held many jobs. He once joked that there probably wasn't a place in his hometown of Paducah, KY, he hadn't worked at one time or another. He was a graduate of Tilghman High School there, a member of the state championship football team. He was an athlete all his life, participating in football, track, and gymnastics. He attended University of KY, and played football under Coach Bear Bryant. After a concussion, he continued his studies at Murray State University, where he also played football while pursuing a business degree. While there, nearly completing his degree, he was drafted into the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and served at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. While home on leave, he attended a dance with a friend of his from high school, Jim Lansden, and asked if he knew that pretty girl on the dance floor. Jim said, "that's my sister, Mary". During their years in high school Mary was attending college out of state, and Bill never realized Jim had a sister. Bill and Mary went on a grand total of three dates, and were married in Corinth, MS on September 4, 1953. They were married until her sudden and unexpected death on March 30, 1986. While living in Wichita Falls, TX, Bill attended Midwestern University while still in the Air Force. He was offered to be the supply sergeant at Headquarters Nato in France if he reenlisted another four years, but by this time he decided to pursue a degree in dentistry. He received a degree in dentistry from the University of Louisville in 1960, and he is a lifetime member of the KY Dental Association. He loved being a dentist, and truly cared about his patients. His greatest treasures and accomplishments were not degrees and awards, but friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mabel Haley; his two infant brothers, and his wife, Mary Ethel.

He is survived by his daughter, Audrey Ann Frazier (Steven); his grandchildren, Sarah Wethington (Marty), Melissa Wilson (Robbie), and Ryan Frazier; his great grandchildren, Haley Murrell, Emma Wethington, Julia Wethington, and Baby Wilson, due April 2018.

Do not mourn his passing, he would not want that. He frequently said, "I've had a good run, and done just about everything I ever wanted to do". and "I am so fortunate in my family and friends". He would want you to remember that he had a good life, and he would wish the same for you. Our many heartfelt thanks go to all the medical providers, Dr. David Overley and staff, and all the compassionate and wonderful people of Hosparus.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in the chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Hwy. at Brooks Rd.) with burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery (Irvington, KY). Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Crusade for Children, Hosparus of Louisville, or the charity of your choice.