James William Bill Audrain

Published 8:46 am Wednesday, August 8, 2018

James William Bill Audrain, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at Bayberry Commons Assisted Living Center in Springfield, Oregon, the place he called home for the past 4 1/2 years.

Bill was born and raised in Redmond, Oregon and married the love of his life, Pauline Elizabeth (Sampson) Audrain on February 7, 1948. Together they raised two daughters, Gloria Johnson of Eugene, Oregon and Betty Pewther of Escondido, California.

Bill served in World War II in the United States Army by enlisting in the service in 1943. He drove heavy truck for the 4267th QM Truck Company. His three years of active duty included landing in Normandy and was active in The Ardennes. He became part of the Red Ball Express, trucking fuel and supplies to the front lines. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Bill and Pauline owned a petroleum business, Central Oregon Oil in Redmond for 23 years, until their retirement in 1991. After retirement, Bill’s adventuresome spirit found them travelling the United States in their fifth wheel and Freightliner truck. One of his favorite places to visit in their travels was Branson, Missouri, where he enjoyed the country music scene.

In 2014, Bill was selected to participate in the Honor Flight program of South Alabama. Bill was the only veteran from Oregon to attend, along with his son-in-law, Phil Johnson, as his guardian. Together they joined 96 other World War II veterans to visit Washington D.C. and tour several memorials, including the WWII Memorial. Bill was featured on television and in the local newspapers as the Oregon veteran who travelled across the United States, a true honoree.

After Pauline’s passing in 2015, Bill remained active in Bayberry Commons, often taking it upon himself to meet and greet new residences into his community. He also enjoyed reading and following the Oregon State Beavers. To his family, he was known as super grandpa and will be truly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Johnson (Phil), Eugene, OR, Betty Pewther (John), Escondido, CA, five granddaughters Tracy Karo (Todd), Brownsville, OR, Heather Riney (John), Corvallis, OR, Paige Welters (Dave) New Providence, NJ, Ashley Tucker, Elk Grove, CA, Stephanie Bruce (Branden), Elk Grove, CA and ten great-grandchildren.

A military honors graveside service will be held at Deschutes Memorial Gardens in Bend, Oregon on Thursday, August 16th at 3pm. After 67 years of marriage, Bill’s ashes will be joined with Pauline’s ashes in a co-burial and they will once again be together.