William H. Lewis, 81, of East Boothbay, passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 28. Bill was born on March 15, 1933 in Bath, the son of the late Maxcy and Edna (Wilson) Lewis. Growing up on Barter Island, he attended local schools. Bill then joined the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. Upon returning to Maine, he began a career working around the water.
Bill worked for Fullers Shipyard, Frank Sample Shipyard, and Goudy and Stevens Shipyard. After working at the shipyards, he began a career as an engineer on the boats in the Harbor, working for Bob McLellan for 22 years, and then Lee Riley, out of New Harbor and Rockland, for another 20 years. The fleet knew him as a jack-of-all-trades and somewhat of a “MacGyver.” Bill could fix anything and always made sure the fleet would stay running. Nobody dreamed of being gone long if Bill was not on board.
After retiring he found work on dry land working as a handy man at the Lobsterman’s Wharf, first for Hillary and Kathy Heaton and then for Bill Murphy. Bill was a hard worker and could always be found doing something; he was never one to sit around. In his younger years he enjoyed spending time outside hunting.
When the weather was nice, Bill loved to be on his motorcycle. He raised a lot of hell as a youngster and had some great stories to tell about his adventures on his Harley. In his later years, Bill loved spending time in his garden. He was a story teller that could always keep you entertained. He was quick witted and loved to mess with people. Bill loved to listen to his loving wife Hilda play the piano and would occasionally accompany her on the spoons, but primarily he would just sit back and enjoy the music. A humble man, he never looked for kudos in anything he did. He was a hell raiser with a heart.
He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, a volunteer firefighter for East Boothbay, a member of the United Bikers of Maine, and a past Commander of the VFW.
He was predeceased by his wife, Hilda Dodge Lewis; brother, Frank S. Lewis; and great-grandson, Liam Lewis.
Survivors include children, William L. Lewis and wife Heather of Boothbay, Linda Livingston of Boothbay Harbor, and Mike Lewis and wife Vicki of East Boothbay; grandchildren, Clint W. Lewis and wife Tarrah of Virginia, Justin M. Lewis and wife Amy Williams of Boothbay, Nicholas Livingston of Boothbay Harbor, William Livingston and wife Hillary of Boothbay Harbor, Bridy A. Lewis of Boothbay Harbor, and Brandi Lewis Hunt and husband Adam of Texas; great-grandchildren, Blake Lewis of Texas, and Carmela Lewis of Virginia; brother, Maxcy Lewis of Georgia; and beloved four legged pal, “Maxcy.”
A time of visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 1 with a Knights of Pythias service at 6 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home Boothbay. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Fri., Jan. 2 at Hall Funeral Home Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay, with Pastor Ami Sawtelle officiating.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Hwy, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME, 04556; or American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted Hall Funeral Home, Boothbay.
