William E. Peagler, 91, died on Monday, November 14, at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford, Connecticut.
He was born on August 23, 1920 in Washington, Connecticut to Robert J. Peagler, Sr. and Myrtle Gary Peagler. He was one of a family of eight brothers and two sisters raised in New Milford, Connecticut. He is predeceased by his wife of 31 years, Clara Byrd Peagler. He leaves behind a large family: two brothers, Philip and Owen Peagler (Teresa); nephews Dr. Richard Peagler (Vashti), Robert Peagler and David and James Whitby (Twyla); nieces Catherine and Kirin Peagler, Sandra Richards (Bill), Dr. Linda Whitby, Dr. Karen Whitby; a sister-in-law, Orel Peagler Robinson; his step-children, Lenore (Leon) Brown; E. James (Sandra) Byrd and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sargent Peagler was a veteran of World War II and came ashore with the second wave of the invasion of Leyte, Phillipines and with the first wave of the invasion of Okinawa, where he met his older brother, 1st Lt. Robert Peagler Jr. just weeks before Robert was killed in action on a nearby island. After the war William returned to a career in the trucking industry with Malkin Company and the M and M Trucking company in New Haven. Bill was a man of gentle strength who was loved by all who knew him. He was a source of joy and inspiration to the many children he helped to raise and will be greatly missed by his devoted family. A graveside service will be held on December 2, 2011 at New Milford Center Cemetery, New Milford, CT at 10AM followed by a memorial service held at the Community Outreach Center, New Haven, CT at 1PM. To leave a message of comfort to the Peagler family visit our website www.hkhfuneralservices.com
