William (Bill) W. Wales Jr., 88, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away on January 3, 2021 at
Huntsville Hospital. Bill was born February 25, 1932 in Booneville, Mississippi. After serving in
the U.S. Army, he attended Mississippi State University where he graduated in 1955 with a
degree in Aerospace Engineering. Bill worked at NASA for 27 years where, in addition to other
various projects, he supported the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. After retiring from
NASA in 1987, he worked several years for Northrop Grumman in support of the International
Space Station program.
After retiring, Bill enjoyed many years of traveling, fishing, and RV camping. He volunteered for
several years with the Madison County Citizen Corps.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Martha Holley Wales. He is survived by his
wife Julius Lee Wales, sons Steve Wales and David (Monica Couch) Wales, daughters Len
(Wayne) Johnson and Elaine Wales, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren all of
Huntsville, and step daughter Wilda (Stan) Pounds of Booneville, Mississippi. He is also
survived by his brothers Bobby Wales of Magnolia, Texas and Harry Wales of Bennett,
Colorado.
The family plans a private graveside service and hopes to have a memorial service in the near
future when circumstances allow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Locust Grove
Baptist Church in New Market, Alabama or to the Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter.
