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Jean Wright (Johnson) (1960)

Hi Dan

Have you been to Calm?

Jeanne

Mike Miller (1966)

Not bad for paint by numbers.

Sherry Bailey (Westland) (1968)

John Jackson (1966)

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

Mike Miller (1966)

Ditto to all and to all a good night.

Theresa Eve (1964)

Merry Christmas Day to all!  So enjoyed the Kinkade paintings and the good wishes for all of us, who have so much compared to other people around the world. Blessings to all, especially to those in need let us not forget. 

Robert Cowing (1965)

Robert Cowing (1965)

 

        

William "Bill" Petty          July 08, 1924 - December 10, 2016

 

William "Bill" Petty, 92, passed away on Dec. 10, in Woodland, CA. He was born on July 8, 1924, in Wilksboro, NC, to Claude and Mae Petty. A member of one of the first black families in the Capay Valley.

Bill is survived by his son, Mitchel El-Mahdy; sister, Ruth Hackett; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Lily Marie Petty; parents, Claude and Mae Petty; daughter, Erica Barber (WHS 1963); sons, William Bernard Glenn and Mitchel El-Mahdy (WHS 1960); brothers, Charles and Lawrence Petty; and sister, Iris Hackett. 

Bill servied in the U.S. Army during World War II and worked at McClellan Air Force Base as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist, where over the years he earned many awards for his work. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
But to all who knew Bill Petty, he was a champion of equal rights for blacks, women and anyone who seemed to be discriminated against.

In 2008, when he received recognition from Concilio of Yolo County, Petty told how his father fought for voting rights in North Carolina, how he himself fought to buy a house in Woodland following World War II. Black history was an integral part of Petty’s life, and he lived long enough to tell the stories. He was  the first African American to serve on the Yolo County Grand Jury.

“It’s not Black History Month; it’s American history that was left out of the history books,” Petty said during the Concilio Awards ceremony. 

Oh, and that house he tried to buy? Real estate agents said it wouldn’t be possible because he was black. Banks wouldn’t give him a loan. Not to be put off, Petty found a house for sale on West Street and called the owner, a rice grower named I.G. Zumwalt. Petty told Zumwalt he was black. Zumwalt asked if Petty was a veteran. He was. Zumwalt sold him the house on the spot and helped finance the purchase. Petty paid off the loan in five years.

Like grandfather, like father, like son, he might say. His father, Claude Petty, was a disabled World War I veteran who in 1936 initiated North Carolina’s first court case to secure voting rights for blacks. His grandfather, Abram Petty, escaped slavery in North Carolina to join the Union Army near the end of the Civil War.

“Our black children don’t know a darn thing about the accomplishments that the black race has made,” Petty said once with his characteristic wide-mouth grin. He knew full well there would be few to object. Such was his strength of character and years of hard won knowledge.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Kraft Brothers Funeral Home, 175 2nd St. Woodland. The funeral service is Thursday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m., also at Kraft Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery, 800 West St. Reception to follow at Heidrick Ag History Center, 1692 Hays Ln., Woodland.  In honor of his memory, donations can be made to Yolo Hospice. Published: Daily Democrat from Dec. 25 to Dec. 27, 2016 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

SEE ALSO:

(1)  "Bill Petty, Champion of Equal Opportunity for Blacks Dies at Age 92",  by Jim Smith, Woodland Daily Democrat, 12/25/16;

(2)   "‘Sweet Old Bill’ Petty Will Long be Remembered", by Jim Smith, Woodland Daily Democrat, 12/30/16;

Linda Lopez (1967)

Craig - Are you 'Lonesome Tonight'? Thanks for giving us a break for the Holiday! I did try a call to your office but found you were taking a break. Just wanted to chat in person. Hope you and your family had a great time together. Your wife is a Saint to put up with your funniness.

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Linda Lopez LaBrie (1967) SO GREAT TO BE BACK IN WOODLAND!

Linda Lopez (1967)

Craig - I am a big Jimmy Hendrix and Santana fan! I really did not care for Elvis. But each his own. Taking care of my folks leaves little time for going out. Does Ludys and others have live music early in the evening? LLL(1967)

Theresa Eve (1964)

What a story about Bill Petty!  He finally got his house on West Street.  Nice to hear about the openness to those who try and work hard, even with racial issues.  That is so interesting.  Bless Bill for his hard work, which is seen today as a real reward.  A good Happy New Year Story.

Linda Lopez (1967)

You are so right, Theresa. I had to go back and reread the full story, you are so right. A good one. Have a blessed one, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU.  I will call after Jan. 3. See you!

Dan Ree (Ree) (1964)

I remember Bill Petty...when I first was a Reserve Officer on the Woodland Police Dept........when I was hired as a Regular Officer....he would ride with me...a great guy and very professional...........He loved Woodland and believed in what he would say........Rip Bill.................Oh Linda ..Love Santana...especially Black Magic Woman......Play it alot with my group here...I too was not a Elvis Fan or Beatles fan....I was more Chuck Berry.....Chubby Checker and Beach Boys...that was who we were and could understand the words and there were song we could dance too and date with in the good olde days.......OOPs said Good Olde Days...Her comes Craigie.......LOL     BOOM  He's Back........just like Jack Nicholson in The Shinning......The last Photo Craig posted a while back reminds me of Jack in the Shinning........Johnny's Back.......Ha Ha !

Aileen Jull (Martinez) (1964)

Enjoyed reading Bill Petty's life story.   And to hear of all his and his father's accomplishments.  What a great man.  Several year's ago my mother told me that as a child she lived next to a black family on Main St. across from the Richfield gas station my grandfather had owned.  Hearing this I asked her if they had any children her age that she could play with.  Her response shocked me when she said "Oh no, my mother wouldn't allow me to play with them."  How sad to hear this.  My grandmother was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois and came to Woodland in about 1903.  It makes me sad for my grandmother to have this predjudice attitude.  I don't remember much prejudice in Woodland growing up.  Of course you probably know I am a blue-eyed blonde and didn't have that problem.  However, Bill Petty was right.  The blacks have come a long way.  I give them alot of credit for hanging in there.  Changes have been made.

Linda Lopez (1967)

DITTO Dan! The B-Gees, Patsie Cline, Brenda Lee ,  Johnny Rivers, Neil Diamond, and Credence! Saw Huey Louis live in Concord, CA. Santana and Jimmy Hendrix live in San Francisco, CA. I see Neil Diamond is coming to Sacto in the summer! Does your band play up here ever?? Would love to hear them. HAPPY NEW YEAR, DAN!

Dan Ree (Ree) (1964)

No Linda ,,,,,,,,,We play here in Bakersfield...Just a Hobby thing  .........I remember seeing the Beach Boys at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium   when they first came out I think it was on 'K' St.   and remember  Paul Revere and The Raiders at the Old Governors Hall at the Old Sacramento Fair Grounds......Many greats came and gone....I believe History will bounce back and come to their senses in Better Musical Groups......on a  Last Note.....HAPPY NEW YEARS...A BETTER ONE......

Dee (Marilee) Damsen (Kindelt) (1965)

Just received information about the passing of Cheryl Matter Fowler, class of 63.  She passed away the day after Christmas.  This may be "old" news to some but to me it was sad news to hear today.  More to follow in the paper.  So here is to another one of our angels looking down upon us!!  My sincere thoughts and prayers to the extended Matter family.

Dan Ree (Ree) (1964)

Craig......jack Nicholson in the Shinning.....Johnny's Back and that look...go back and view your last photo ...they say we have twins some where in this Country.......Must be a Hack job!!!!!....You are Famous...AGAIN!!!!!

Robert Cowing (1965)

W.W. II " GREATEST GENERATION"  

          YOLO  COUNTY  VETS

W.W. II  YOLO  COUNTY  VETS  DIE  IN  December 2016:

  William "Bill" Petty July 8, 1924 - Dec. 10, 2016 

William "Bill" Petty, 92, passed away on Dec. 10, in Woodland, CA. He was born on July 8, 1924, in Wilksboro, NC, to Claude and Mae Petty.  Bill servied in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1943 and served in the Alaska Defense Command during WWII.

Like grandfather, like father, like son, he might say. His father, Claude Petty, was a disabled World War I veteran who in 1936 initiated North Carolina’s first court case to secure voting rights for blacks. His grandfather, Abram Petty, escaped slavery in North Carolina to join the Union Army near the end of the Civil War. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

  Jack Dunlap Mast - May 1, 1925 - Dec. 3, 2016

Jack Mast of Zamora died at home surrounded by family on Dec. 3, at the age of 91. He was a 4th generation farmer whose family settled in Yolo County in 1868. He graduated from Esparto High School then entered Stanford University. He left college to train in the Navy's V12A Aviation Program at Peru State College. At the end of the war he was at St. Mary's preflight school. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

W.W. II  YOLO  COUNTY  VETS  DIE  IN  November 2016:

  JACK L. COOPER - Sept. 4, 1924 - Nov. 15, 2016 
Jack L. Cooper, 92, of West Sacramento, passed away from natural causes, Nov. 15. Jack was born in Long Beach. He was veteran of the US Navy, WWII and Korea wars.  Jack was in Education Administration with Yolo and Sacramento Counties. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

   Joe G. Casillas Sr. 91.         Oct. 18, 1925 - Nov. 25, 2016

Casillas is known locally for his military service during WWII, where he distinguished himself in the battle of Okinawa in the closing days of WWII by not only surviving the Battle of Okinawa but by risking his life to save the other members of his squad.

The recently released Mel Gibson film, “Hacksaw Ridge,” depicts the battle where Casillas first saw combat action against Japanese army from May 17 through 20 in 1945.

“Joe’s actions saved the lives of the remaining members of the 77th Division, 307th Regimental Combat Team’s Easy Company during the initial three days of battle on Ishimmi Ridge the last major battle of WWII. Joe’s heroism was later immortalized in the Military Channel’s television program, ‘Okinawa: Island Fortress.’”

Casillas was a member of Company E of the 307th Army Infantry and helped capture the key Ishimmi Ridge near Shuri, Okinawa, in a night attack on May 17, 1945, holding it for three days against continuous counterattacks even though completely isolated from friendly units and without food and ammunition.

Casillas was assigned by his commander to lob a smoke grenade so that members of Company C would not be fired on by American artillery. Casillas did as he was order and then was told that he’d been given the wrong grenade, which was spewing out the wrong-colored smoke. Casillas was ordered a second time to lob another grenade — with the correctly colored smoke — which he did. In both instances, Casillas had to expose himself to enemy fire and in both instances he emerged unscathed.

Of the 204 original members of Company E, there were 156 casualties.

Joe's grandson, Justin Aaron Casillas, who was posthumous recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart after being killed in action in Afghanistan on July 4, 2009.  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

 Forrest "Bud" Radebaugh, 91, of Esparto, passed away peacefully in his sleep - March 29, 1925 - Nov. 17, 2016. He was born in Magna, UT. Forrest was a veteran USN WWII Carpenter Mate Seabee. Graveside service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m., at Capay Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Kraft Bros.  Published in Daily Democrat from Nov. 23 to Nov. 27, 2016  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

  J.B. Holmquist, of Woodland, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30. 2016 J.B. was born in Phoenix, AZ on July 8, 1924 to Fred Nels and Louise Ross Holmquist. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School and served in the U.S. Navy on the battleship Pennsylvania during World War II. After the war, he later moved to Woodland and worked as a civil engineer for Yolo County and to Destin, FL. His final years were spent in Woodland.  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

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W.W. II   YOLO  COUNTY  VET  DIES  IN   August 2016:

   Darrel Hayes - Born in Esparto, raised in Madison.  Army from Feb. 1943 until Dec. 1945.  A Corporal and served as a Medic, and in the Construction Corp 1385th EPD Company, laying pipeline in France and the Philippines. Aug. 26, 1924 - Aug. 17, 2016; http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

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W.W. II   YOLO  COUNTY  VETS  DIE  IN   July 2016: 

    Dewey, Harry H. - a U.S. Navy radio crewman on PBYs during WWII;  Dec. 22, 1926 - July 25, 2016;  Yolo County resident.http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/  

  Hinkle, George W. - a U.S. Navy, a Medic and stationed with the Marines in North Africa during WWII;  1921 - 2016; Woodland resident.  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

  Jahn (Dahl), June Irma - She was a member of the United States Army Cadet Nurse Corps for three years during WWII; WHS 1941; Sept. 12, 1923 - July 21, 2016; Woodland resident. COMPLETE OBITUARY - http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

  Montoya, Tony B. – He was a Corporal in the 200th Coast Artillery, U.S.  Army in WWII. Tony was a survivor of the Bataan Death March. Survived on the Hell Ship Taga Maru to Japan, was a POW in Osaka, Japan Camp 5b for three and one half years; March 19, 1918 - July 22, 2016; Woodland resident.  COMPLETE OBITUARY -http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

   Virgina "Ginny" Penrose  - After World War II began, she joined the Navy and was one of the first 50 WAVES to enlist;    Her  children, Paula Gimenez (WHS 1962), Penny (WHS 1966) (Gary) Lohman, Craig (Karen) Penrose and Paul Penrose; April 13, 1922 - July 25, 2016;  Woodland resident.  COMPLETE OBITUARY -http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

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W.W. II   YOLO  COUNTY  VET  DIES  IN  June 2016: 

  George L. Soares passed away at home at the age of 90. Born in Eureka to John and Mary Soares, George grew up in the Salinas Valley with five brothers and five sisters. A troop-train medic during WWII, he traveled up and down the east coast caring for returning wounded. COMPLETE OBITUARY -http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

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W.W. II   YOLO  COUNTY  VETS  DIE  IN  April 2016: 

  Dwight L. Breckenridge, 96, passed away on Thursday, April 28 in Woodland. Dwight was born in Woodland and was a lifelong resident of the Willow Oak Park community. He was a graduate of Woodland High School.   Dwight was a WWII veteran, serving with Company C, 736th Tank Battalion. He was a longtime Woodland area farmer, first with his father and later with two of his sons. COMPLETE OBITUARY -http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

   Dr. Samuel Crawford Houston, age 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 10, at his home in Woodland. He was drafted into the US Navy. Sam served in WWII in the South Pacific stationed on Johnston Island in the Medical Corps. Sam and family then moved to Woodland, where he joined Doctors Nichols and Copeland in family practice.  In 1965 Samuel C. Houston, M.D. was president of the Yolo County Medical Society. He served as chief of surgery. He commuted to the Veterans Hospital three years to become a Board Certified Urologist. He was especially dedicated to taking care of Veterans. He practiced urology at his 1119 Cottonwood building for the next 17 years until he retired. 
COMPLETE OBITUARY -http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

  Norman Kendall was one of the "greatest generation" having served on the aircraft carrier USS Altamaha during WWII, serving mainly in the Philippines. Part of his hearing loss was attributed to his proximity to landing aircraft. His career was that of police officer in Woodland, retiring in 1980 at the rank of Captain.   COMPLETE OBITUARY -http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailydemocrat/

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16,112,566 men and women served in the USA Military Forces during WW II.  According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 620,000 American veterans from WW II are estimated to still be alive as of 2016.

Robert Cowing (1965)

Michael Crutcher (1963)

Sad to see so many of our World War II veterans passing away, but time marches on ... for all of us.  It is wonderful that they can be remembered here.  I think it is hard for young people today to understand what it was like growing up in the presence of so many veterans.  About one in eight Americans served in uniform during that war, and they had a large influence on those of us who grew up in the 50s and early 60s.  Their generation responded to the call of their nation and free peoples everywhere and literally saved the world from Nazi fascism and Imperial Japanese militarism.  Our freedoms were saved by their efforts and their sacrifices.  God bless them, every one.

Dan Ree (Ree) (1964)

Mike...so many of our teachers were veterans of World War 2.......They never mention this to us....but have found out here after their passing....during tht time when they returned, they put all that gear in their closets or trunks and went on their way carrying all that horror they saw inside them hidden by us and the publiuc..., but knew they gave us freedom...the younger ones and some of the older individuals take for granted........When I worked on the Woodland Police Dept....I had encountered a few that served in the Pacific and could not live a life in a home......then I really did not understand that situation but as I got older..I realize that era brought our Country together again only to be lost again for a short time......We charish their service and sacrifices........this is the subject that needs a repeat in grammer school and high school

Justene Manchester (Lipphardt) (1963)

So sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing.  Fond memories of her from school years.  My condolences to her family.  Our thought are with you during this very sad time.

Linda Lopez (1967)

I am so very thankful those Techies created the DELETE BUTTON!!

Dan Ree (Ree) (1964)

Linda...Me Too...Delete is a great thing......I do it a lot when I get Rambling after rambling......Ps....did Woodland get a lot of Rain?