ROCKLAND — William L. ‘Bill’ Lawry, 69, died unexpectedly, Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta following a brief period of declining health.

Born in Rockland, February 11, 1955, he was the son of Milton and Kathleen Proctor Lawry. Bill was educated locally before joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Along with his brother, and four other sets of brothers, Bill served aboard the USS America in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, Bill re-enlisted and served another four years.

After returning to Rockland, Bill worked for several local companies but spent most of his career in the maintenance department of the Shore Village Nursing Home and later retired from Dragon Cement Plant.

Known for his great, yet sometimes irreverent, sense of humor, Bill never met a stranger. He made friends easily and his warm smile and happy attitude made him easy to love. He was kind and loved to do things for others, especially if it involved making the lives of children happier. For many years he played Santa during the holidays and loved spending time with his nieces and nephews as well as the neighborhood kids.

He was an avid sports enthusiast, from watching football and baseball to playing golf, softball and horseshoes, he loved it all.

For over 30 years Bill was an active member of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion, Post No. 1 in Rockland. He served as Commander of the post for several years and participated in the color guard whenever
possible. He was also a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks where he made many lasting friendships.

Bill will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Predeceased by his two brothers, Charlie Lawry in 2015 and Thomas Lawry in 2016; Bill is survived by his sister, Ruth Gagnon and her companion Gary Dunham of Rockland; his nephews and nieces, Ben, Todd, Lisa and Jessica; many great-nephews including Hunter Rackliff with whom he shared a special bond; several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; his ‘twin brother’ Ray Thompkins of Rockland; many cousins and a large loving extended family as well as too many friends to count.

Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 5 to p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 1 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Achorn Cemetery, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

To share a memory or condolence with the Lawry family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.