William K. Valentine Jr., 81, of Wiscasset, died Dec. 29 at HillHouse Assisted Living Center in Bath.
He was born in Norwalk, Conn. on April 11, 1927, the son of William K. Sr. and Lillian Cecelia (Wetmore) Valentine.
He graduated from Norwalk High School in Connecticut and attended college after returning from service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a Quartermaster on LSM 484 and sailed throughout the Pacific and much of China as well as up the Yangtze River. At the age of nine he began working at Hickory Bluff Store in Rowayton, Conn. and continued working there most of his life. Hickory Bluff Store was a local landmark that included a boatyard, boat rentals, mooring space, a bathing beach, tackle shop and store. He became a partner and then purchased the store in the 1950s.
On Dec. 1, 1953 he married Grace E. Hendrick and they had a son and two daughters. He retired in 1988 and moved to Wiscasset where he continued to enjoy his love for the sea.
He was a member of the Lincoln County Rifle Club and the Wiscasset Gun Club. He always enjoyed the outdoors and spent many full seasons hunting, fishing and competitive target shooting.
He is survived by his wife, Grace E. Valentine of Wiscasset; one son, Tim Valentine and wife Karen of Somerville; two daughters, Diane Valentine of Shelter Island, N.Y., and Lynn Valentine; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
There will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 40 Federal St., Wiscasset.
