Clyde Earl Millay, 89, of Washington, died peacefully at the Togus VA Hospital on the morning of May 31.
Born in Liberty, July 11, 1925, he was the son of Earl and Gladys Howes Millay. He attended school in Liberty until enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII. He served in the 1008th Engineer Service Battalion. He was involved in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns and spent time in London and Paris. When the war ended, he returned home, married, and started a family.
He was a farmer at heart his entire life and spent most of his life as an egg farmer in Washington. He was an early riser who kept a tight schedule due to the nature of the work. Gardening, hunting, fishing and boiling sap were a necessary part of farm life in the early days and hobbies later in life. He kept a daily diary of the weather, progress of the peas, when he tapped the trees, and who came to visit. Visitors were often rewarded with a custard pie, his specialty. This usually initiated a game of cards, cribbage, or horseshoes. One of his other favorite pastimes was woodworking. His trademark was picnic tables sold on the front lawn. If he did not make a sale, he usually walked away with a friend and a story. He always had a dog for hunting, security, or friendship. His beagle, Peanut, was for rabbit hunting, but became a spoiled family pet. In later years, Sabre became his loyal companion.
He was a member of the Farrar Ross Post No. 9437 American Legion, Washington, where he enjoyed sharing a meal and a story with other veterans. He loved keeping up with his family whenever they came for a visit. Whether it was storing a car for his grandson or holding a new great grandchild, he was always a willing participant. One of his favorite days of the year was Thanksgiving with an early morning deer hunt and huge family gathering. Even though turkey was traditionally the main course, it was really the mincemeat pie for him! Family and friends alike are going to miss his dry humor and quick wit.
Clyde was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maxine; step-son, Richard Knowlton; brothers, George and Arnold Millay; sisters, Marguerite Benner, Arabelle Knight and Bertha Jackson; and loyal dog, Sabre.
He is survived by brother, Wilbur Millay of Hope; daughters, Irene Maxcy and husband Richard of Warren; Jolene Millay and companion, Craig Simmons of Waldoboro; step-daughter, Judy Barton of Northport; grandchildren, James Millay and companion, Jody Daniello of Thomaston, Jennifer Blastow and husband Mark Grover of Otisfield, Jessica Maxcy and companion Ted Seely of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jonathan Maxcy and wife Sarah of Warren; great-grandchildren, Evan, Isaiah and Tyler Millay, and Hannah and Chloe Grover; several nieces and nephews; and very special neighbors, Mike, Mary and Tom Shaggy of Washington.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., Thurs., June 11 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, with Rev. Scott Benner officiating. Immediately following the service will be a time for sharing and refreshments at the funeral home’s 104 Limerock reception center. Interment will follow at Levensaler Cemetery in Washington.
Memorial gifts may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.
To share a memory or condolence with Clyde’s family, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
