After a long and difficult battle with lung cancer, William Ray Early, 79, entered into rest on September 9, 2017 in Manteca, California. He was born July 12, 1938 in Clovis, New Mexico to the late Gilbert and Eloise Early. In heaven he joins his parents as well as his son Gregory and his brother Gilbert “Ted” Early.
   William leaves behind his dedicated, loving wife of 57 years, Alberta Early of Manteca,daughters Valerie Kruger (Darren) of Morgan Hill and Crystal Rosene (Gary) of Lodi. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Andrew Early, Kirsten Foster, and David Foster, and one great grandchild Hope Nunez-Foster. In addition, William has two surviving siblings, Barbara Jager (Rick) of Manteca and Linda Ward (Charlie) of Kansas.
   William served in the United States Army at a young age. He married and started a family in Colorado, serving as a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 9. When he moved to California he became part of Operating Engineers Local 3 and resided in Manteca for 32 years.  In his younger days, William enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. He was extremely hard working, his pride and joy was his family. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, an amazing father, grandfather and great grandfather.
   Prayer and committal service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. inside St. John’s Catholic Mausoleum, 17871 S. Carrolton Road, Escalon, CA. For condolences to the family please visit www.plfryandson.com and search obituaries.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, September 14, 2017