Carroll F. Leeman, 86, of Round Pond, passed away on the morning of June 10 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Round Pond on March 13, 1925, the son of Clifford and Winnifred Smith Leeman.
He attended the Washington School in Round Pond and graduated from Bristol High School in 1942. He then went to work for the Torrey Roller Bushing Works in Bath where he began a career as a machinist. He answered his nation’s call and joined the U.S. Coast Guard and went on to serve as a machinist on the troop ship Admiral C.F. Hughes where he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
Upon his discharge following the war, he returned home and married Georgia Belle Prentice, who became his wife of 64 years. He then worked for Bay Shore Machine and Bristol Machine & Gear before beginning an 18-year career with Hyde Windlass in Bath. During that time he tended his lobster traps from his skiff in Round Pond after work. In 1970 he started his own business as a paint contractor, which he operated until his retirement. Many of his past employees have continued to stay in touch with him as he gave these young people the opportunity to develop their working skills under his remarkable sense of humor.
He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing and trapping, particularly deer hunting and raccoon hunting with hounds. His exploits have been the subject of many stories over the years. He was a founding member of the Samoset Fish and Game Club. Other memberships included the National Rifle Association, the Sportmen’s Alliance of Maine and the American Legion. He was a past president of the Round Pond Village Improvement where he oversaw many of their recent community projects. He was a member of the Round Pond Methodist Church. He was an accomplished woodworker producing many pieces of folk art and small furniture. One of his last projects was the completion of scale models of both the White Church and Brown Church in Round Pond. He also enjoyed reading and tending his annual gardens.
In the spring of 1998, he and long-time friend Harry “Mitt” Master were cast as extras in the movie “Message In A Bottle” as it was being filmed in New Harbor. Upon release of the movie, they were pleased to see that they had made the final cut in the fight scene between Kevin Costner and John Savage.
He was predeceased by brothers, Paul and Wayne Leeman.
He is survived by his wife Georgia of Round Pond; daughter, Brenda and husband Wayne Killam of Prince Edward Island, Canada; son, Scott and wife Jenny of Round Pond; grandsons, Troy Killam and wife Erica and Chad Killam; granddaughters, Mary and Nikki Leeman; and brothers, Merton and Keith.
At Carroll’s request, funeral arrangements will be private.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Round Pond Methodist Church, P.O. Box 92A , Round Pond, ME 04564.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
