William Alton Ames, Jr., of Sanford, formerly of Jefferson, passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 15 from complications due to a heart attack. He was born Sept. 23, 1965, in Damariscotta, the son of William Alton Ames, Sr. and Nancy West Ames of Jefferson. He attended Jefferson Village School, Medomak Valley High School, and Southern Maine Technical College, graduating with a degree in Culinary Arts.
He worked as a chef in several restaurants, operated The Depot convenience store, and was currently employed at Sedexho in Sanford.
Bill loved his three children and was proud of their scholastic and athletic accomplishments. He was always supportive of them in their sport choices and frequently coached their teams. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and was the past Master of the Preble Lodge A.F. & A.M. #143 of Sanford.
While growing up, it was always a special occasion to celebrate his birthday with his dad who was born on the same day. Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, the enjoyment of his children, and always being willing to pitch-in when something needed to be done.
Survivors include his daughter, Erinn Catherine Ames; sons, William Everett and Jonathan Richard Ames, all of Sanford; ex-wife, Kerry Ames; parents, William and Nancy Ames of Jefferson; sister, Carol Dianne Colby of Hallowell; brother, Joseph Samuel Ames and wife Heather of Taft, Tex.; paternal grandmother, Dorothy S. Ames of Jefferson; great aunts, Violet Morse of Newcastle, and Marjorie Plante of Damariscotta; aunts and uncles, Sally and Bob Cutting of Brockton, Mass., Ken and Faye Ames of Arizona, and Bob and Karen Ames of Jefferson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves his special friend, Tracy Theriault, and lifelong friend, fishing and hunting buddy, Charles H. Sewell, of Maryland.
He was predeceased by his grandmother, Edith B. West, and grandfathers, Joseph E. West and Samuel H. Ames.
Celebration of life 11 a.m., Sat., July 22 at the First Baptist Church in Jefferson, with Joanne Hilton and the Preble Lodge #143 presenting the service. He will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, Damariscotta.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
