A WELL-KNOWN former AA patrol man and “wonderful brother” has died, aged 81.

William Rollings, better known as Bill, worked for the Automobile Association for some 30 years, patrolling the A1 between the Oldings roundabout and Stevenage before being forced to retire due to ill health.

Born at Hatfield Hyde on New Year’s Eve 1927, Bill left school at the age of 14 before taking his first job in a garage workshop.

He later worked as a milkman and also served in the Home Guard alongside his father towards the end of World War Two.

Following the war, Bill spent two years as a chef with the Royal Navy while on National Service, before resuming his milk round upon his return.

It was on one of his rounds that he met and fell in love with Gwen, who would go on to be his wife of 60 years.

He also met an AA patrolman on his rounds, who introduced him to his new career at the age of 24.

Sibling Arthur described Bill as a “wonderful” brother and said: “He learned most of his motor repair skills from his keenness to help others.”

Away from work, his interests included swimming, cooking and gardening.

Bill, latterly of Pinewood, WGC, died in the QE2 Hospital on December 20 following a long illness.

As well as his brother, Bill leaves behind his wife Gwen, sister Jean, son Kenneth and daughter Wendy.

His funeral took place at Harwood Park Crematorium in Knebworth on Wednesday.