William Dana "Bill" Willis Obituary (1944

ROCKLAND- William "Bill" D. Willis, 80, passed away after a long battle with cancer Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Born October 23, 1944, Bill was the second of thirteen children. The son of the late Donald A. Willis and Edna M. Gamage. He graduated from Rockland High School in 1964, where he was a talented baseball player. As pitchers, Bill and Jimmy Lombardo helped lead their team to the Eastern State Championship in 1963 with a 14- 2 record and played a key role in securing the school's first KVAC Championship that same year. Bill began his career working at W.T. Grants as the Shoe Department Manager while still in school and later transferred to the Laconia, NH store for two years before returning to Rockland. He then worked at J.C. Penney until its closure and also spent time at National Sea Pro before embarking on a 35-year career as a lobster fisherman with fishing rights at Matinic Island. On February 27, 1965, Bill married Sherry Baker at St. Bernard's Church in Rockland, sharing nearly six decades together. A dedicated member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks for 59 years, he first joined alongside his father-in-law in 1964. He also coached his son's Little League team with Harold Widdecombe and played as a pitcher in a men's softball league for many years, winning numerous tournaments. Bill spent seven seasons working at Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande Island in Florida, where he enjoyed playing golf and riding his motorcycle on his days off. In retirement, he worked for six years on the grounds crew at Rockland Golf Course while also being an active member there. In his later years, "Mr. Bill" as he had been lovingly called, found great comfort in his faith through Pastor Chris Emery and the fellowship of Spruce Head Community Church (especially Gail & Harold). His journey brought him peace, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew him. Bill is predeceased by his parents, and stepmother Virginia, longtime friend Skip Lombardo, in-laws Dotty and Bill Baker, brother-in-law Billy Baker. He is survived by his wife Sherry; children Sonya, Randall and Jason; siblings John Willis, Donald Kalloch, Katherine Kalloch, James Kalloch, Peter & April Kalloch, Eileen & Bill Umberger, Theresa & Kenny Wilson, Paul & Karen Willis, Albert Willis, Brian & Niki Willis, Stephen & Natalie Willis, Melanie & Rick Robinson; grandchildren Jessica Boody, Annie and Katie Willis; great-grandchildren, Autumn, Bryce, Rhys and Julian Boody, as well as several nieces, nephews and a very special cousin Evelyn Willis. A Memorial service will be held at 10:45am, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Rockland Lodge of Elks, 210 Rankin Street, Rockland. A celebration of life will follow at the Elks Club.2d:{"dateTim