Obituary of William Henry Pailes IV

William H. Pailes IV, 85, of Morgantown, WV, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 at home. William, “Bill,” was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1931, the son of the late Mildred and William H. Pailes III. Bill served his country as a medic in the Navy during the Korean War and after receiving his master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1968, moved to Morgantown to begin his career as a research biochemist with NIOSH, where he continued until his retirement. He was a talented artist whose hobbies also included traveling, camping, square dancing and philanthropy. He enjoyed golf, especially playing with his sons, and could often be found playing a round at the Meadowponds with old friends. One of his greatest loves was the Boy Scouts of America for which he served as a leader for over 40 years. Bill was Morgantown’s Troup 65 Scoutmaster for almost 25 years and Assistant Scout Master for another 20 years, during which time his scouting program recognized over 80 boys with Eagle Scout. He was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award and District Award of Merit for his contributions to Boy Scouting. During his tenure he completed the Woodbadge adult leader training, served on the Mountaineer Area Council Executive Board 25+ years, was the Boy Scout National Jamboree Scoutmaster, participated as a member of the National Jamboree staff numerous years, and facilitated several memorable Troop 65 scouting trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base and the Maine High Adventure Base. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia, his children Catherine Pailes Matthews (Phil); William H. Pailes V (Nichole); Robert F. Pailes (Georgeanne) and grandchildren Olivia, Jack, Jessica, Alexia, Hallie, Madison, Siena and Ronan. He is also survived by his brother Richard Pailes (Roberta); sister Jeanne Cromwell; sister Pam Helms (David) brother Arthur Pailes (Vicki), and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. John Lobban, Dr. Alan Hess, the staff at Mapleshire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Debbie, Ellen and Shirley for their caring and kindness. A special thank you as well to the Green family and Hank Burton for their support and invaluable friendship to Bill and his family. Per his wishes, Bill’s ashes will be spread at Sanibel Island, FL, a favorite family vacation spot. Troop 65 will be doing a memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bill Pailes Scouting Adventure Fund, Boy Scout Troop 65, Suncrest UMC, 479 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505 or https://www.gofundme.com/bill-pailes-scouting-adventure-fund. Condolences: hastingsfuneralhome.com.