William Rix

WOLFEBORO—William Miller Rix, 76 of Wolfeboro, died on August 6, 2012, following a courageous battle against cancer.

Born in Lewiston, Maine, on February 6, 1936, he was a son of the late William and Pauline Rix, he attended local schools before beginning his work career at an early age. He began working at a local saw mill through his teen years, before moving closer to his family in Eliot when he was eighteen.

He moved to Florida where he and his former wife of twenty years Jeannie made their home. After their divorce he remained in Florida operating Rix Carpet for over fifty three years, both in Clearwater and for a short few years in Tarpon Springs.

An adventurous soul his entire life, he never shied away from long hours at work or offering to help a friend in need, always remaining the " Big Brother " to his six siblings whenever they needed him. Bill enjoyed his many motorcycles, Bill had a passion for restoring and driving his signature antique convertible cars and looked forward to many fishing trips to the Alagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine, especially staying at Telos Landing.

Bill loved living near and enjoying all the beach had to offer, whether it was a frequent trip to one of his favorite restaurants or an evening of dancing with his special friends, Ellie and Judy at the Hard Rock Cafe, he was always up for a good time.

He recently returned to New England full time, making his home with his sister and Brother-in-law in Wolfeboro. He loved the Wolfeboro area, whether it was a ride around the lake a trip on one of the famous tour boats or a stop at the Keller House for an ice cream, he loved it all. He looked forward to volunteering for the Hospital Street fair with his sister Faye and her husband Ben each year and seeing the many friends he had made.

He is survived by his loving family; a son Robbie Rix and his wife Penny of Palm Harbor, Fla., sisters Faye and her husband Ben Hunter of Wolfboro, Judy Rix of Napa Valley, Cali., and Donna Rix of Palm Harbor, Fla., brothers; Paul Rix of Hudson, Fla., John Rix of Northport, Fla. and Jeffrey and his wife Patty Rix of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., many nieces and nephews and friends.

Friends may visit with Bill's family on Friday September 21, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery, Maine 03904. Other services will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Seacoast Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglass Hospital 789 Central Avenue Dover, N.H. 03820.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.