Harland Sherman Prior, 76, of Cushing, died Dec. 3 at his residence surrounded by his family, after a long illness.
Harland was born Sept. 6, 1932 on Bremen Long Island, the son of Roland Waltz Prior and Mary Helen Smith Prior, and was a 1950 graduate of Waldoboro High School.
In 1949, he married Athlene Moore, and together they made their home in Cushing.
He held various jobs in the area, including working in the woods, until he started Whispering Pines, a home for mentally challenged adults, which he operated for 20 years until his retirement in 1997.
In his earlier years, he enjoyed painting, and was a member of the Second Congregational Church in Warren.
He is predeceased by a brother, Courtland Prior in 1999, and great-granddaughter, Alexis Ferguson.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Athlene M. Prior, of Cushing; two sons, Dwayne S. Prior and wife Pamela of Cushing, and Dale C. Prior of Cushing; two daughters, Diane H. Brooker and husband Matthew of Waterboro, and Doreen E. Madden of St. Petersburg, Fla.; brother, Maitland R. Prior and wife Lois of Cushing; sister, Mildred Eaton of Cushing; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Fri., Dec. 5 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Celebration of Harland’s life 9 a.m., Sat., Dec. 6 at the Harbor Cemetery in Friendship. Rev. Robin Honaker will officiate. A reception will follow the service at the Second Congregational Church in Warren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harland’s memory may be made to the Coastal Workshop, P.O. Box 637, Camden, ME 04843.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.