Carlton F. Willey

Carlton F. Willey obituary, ELLSWORTH, ME

Carlton F. Willey

Carlton Willey Obituary

Published by BDN Maine on Jul. 22, 2009.
ELLSWORTH - Carlton F. Willey, 78, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, in Ellsworth. He was born June 6, 1931, in Cherryfield, to Philip Willey and Marjorie (Morse) Willey. He graduated from Cherryfield Academy in 1949. During the summers of 1951 and 1952, he tried out as a pitcher for Bangor News-Boston Braves Baseball Camp. The Braves invited him to Boston in 1951. He was signed by the Braves and assigned to Quebec City, Class C. His minor league career included Toledo, Ohio and Atlanta, Ga. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany for two years. Resuming his baseball career, he pitched for the Triple A Club, Wichita Braves for two years. At the end of his 1957 season, he was called up to the parent club, Milwaukee Braves where he played for five years. In 1958, he was named National League Pitching Rookie of the Year. He was traded to the New York Mets in 1963. At the old Polo Grounds, N.Y., he hit a grand slam while his father, Philip; and son, Richie, watched with Walter Tucker and Gerald Morse all from Cherryfield. During spring training in St. Petersburg, Fla., while pitching in an exhibition game with the Detroit Tigers, as Hollis Wyman of Milbridge watched, Carlton was hit by a line drive, breaking his jaw. Retiring in 1966, Carlton returned to his beloved Cherryfield, working in the family hardware store. He scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies covering the mid-west states. He was employed by Jasper Wyman as plant manager in Hancock and eventually he and son Richie started a house painting business. Survivors include his companion, Maureen Mahan; son, Richard and his wife, Susan, of Cherryfield; daughter, Jill W. Escamilla and her husband, Patrick, of Austin, Texas; mother of his children, Nancy Willey of Cherryfield; grandchildren, Philip Willey of Portland, and Eryn Escamilla of Austin, Texas; special cousins, Susan Hartford of Dresden and Jane Morse. He will be missed by his friends of Ridge Road Old Men's Club. A visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. A private graveside service will be held Saturday. The family request memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to Cherryfield Academy, Eleanor Hampton, P.O. Box 26, Cherryfield, ME 04622. www.bragdon-kelley.com


This obituary was originally published in the BDN Maine.

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July 16, 2020

Susan McLain posted to the memorial.

September 10, 2010

cole packird posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2009

Marla Thomas posted to the memorial.

Susan McLain

July 16, 2020

I think of Carlton often, especially my time with him at the Ridge Road Old Men's Club! He was a true gentleman!!

cole packird

September 10, 2010

i was just reading a book named to fish and hunt in maine i came across this mans name in a story which read he had hunted with jakes rangers i found this intresting and looked up the unknown name on my laptop n this is what i found out

Marla Thomas

August 15, 2009

May I say one more thing to the family of Carlton Willey? In ellsworth was last time I saw Mr.Willey...He made me "Smile" with his thoughts of cherryfield and us being neighbors...Big Hearted Man and hope Cherryfield will give him is own "star" on a Walk of "fame"...and a Special "thank you" to mrs. willey for being a "Great Teacher", in her own right...so sincerely, M.Thomas-freeport,ME

marla thomas

August 15, 2009

so very sad to hear about Mr.willey`s passing... I read it on e-bay looking for a card of his> what a pleasure to be a neighbor in cherryfield so long ago... Our mom passed last year ( Louise Dudley) our best Wishes...The thomas girls...Marla Thomas-Freeport, Maine

Kathy & glen Willey

July 29, 2009

I'm so glad we were able to visit with Carlton the last time we were in Maine, I'm sorry to hear of his passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don MacBeth

July 29, 2009

I met Carlton in 1984 while returnimg home from the HOF Inductions in Cooperstown. Having lived so close to us here in Canada he always had a special place in my sporting heart. I remember reading about the sign streching across the hardware saying "Cherryfield, home of MLB pitcher Carlton Willey. He was not at home and a neighbour told me he was working the the blueberry fields. I drove out into the fields and met him on the road. We talked an hour or so. He was trying to quit smoking and bummed a couple of cigarettes while we chatted. I have all of his cards autographed by him personally. My personal condolences to all the members of his family. I feel as if I have lost a close friend even though we met just the once. God bless you my friend. See you at the ballpark in Heaven

July 29, 2009

To Ritchie and Jill, I'm very sorry about your father. He was a good man. My thoughts are with you and your families. Dawn{Feeney} and Arthur Curtis

Jaime

July 25, 2009

I lived next door to Carlton for almost three years. Nearly everyday when I got home from work he'd be sitting in his chair by the window and would greet me with a wave. It was always a bright spot in my day. It feels odd to come home now and not find him sitting there with a smile and a wave. He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.

Steve and Susan

July 24, 2009

We would like to send our sympathy to Marueen and the rest of Carlton's family. My wife and I had the pleasure of spending many Sunday afternoons with Carlton, listening to stories of his playing days. I am proud to say Carlton referred to me as the youngest member of the Ridge Road Old Mens Club. That is one honor I will always cherish.

We miss you Carlton, thank you for everything.

paul whitworth

July 24, 2009

i was lucky enough to meet carlton as a child, and got to know him as a neighbor and later a coworker and friend. he was truly a great man who will be missed by so many. thoughts and prayers go to his family in this tough time.

Mike Dugan

July 24, 2009

As a youngster I was lucky enough to remember your outstanding year for Wichita before coming to the Braves.

I was lucky enough to collect your baseball cards too.

Be at peace and be sure to save a place in God's lineup to be with you.

Jon & Gail Morse

July 23, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know we will never forget Carlton since we have so many good memories growing up in Cherryfield.

Bill Bickford

July 23, 2009

I began following the Braves in 1957. When Carlton (from Maine) started playing for them in 1958, he became my boyhood hero. I looked for anything about him. I had the good fortune to finally meet and visit with him about 20 years ago. We enjoyed an hour or so together and he told me a ton of stories. One of the funniest things, was after I told him I'd been waiting over 30 years to meet him, Carlton said, "Well for God's sake Bill, you didn't have to wait that long!". I'm almost in tears now remembering that. I went to a card show in Bangor a few years later and was delighted to visit once more with my boyhood hero. Carlton was as nice a person as I've ever met and I join all who miss him and are saddened. Those who knew Carlton were truly lucky. He was one of the best representatives of 'Maine' that ever lived here.

Angel Sukeforth

July 23, 2009

Carlton was a great man, a man with many accomplishments that could sit in our waiting room at Darlings amongst a group of people and know one would know that they were sitting next to a professional baseball player! Carlton will be missed by all that knew him. Carlton you are one of the greats!

Judie Giusti

July 23, 2009

I'll never forget the time I finally met Carlton Willey. My step-father (Delmont Willey) raved about him so many times. He reminded me of someone from Mayberry. Thats the kind on Man he was. If you didn't know any better you would have never in a million years think that this gentle, kind, soft spoken man from Cherryfield, Maine was a Pro. baseball player. She will certainly be missed by all who knew him. I must say that I had the honor of speaking to MR. Hank AAron back in the 80's. I mentioned Carlton's name to him and he was so happy to hear about him. I hope Mr. AAron will be told of Carltons passing. He loved him very much. The town of Cherryfield has lost a legend.
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Judie Giusti

July 23, 2009

my thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy Willey

robbie (herring) kulz

July 23, 2009

Nancy, Ritchie, and Jill.

I was sooo sad to read about Carlton. My thoughts are with you all. I hope some of the fond memories people are speaking of helps the healing go a little easier. For you Jill, i remember coming to your house after school for many years. The only time i heard your dad raise his voice was when he yelled at us to turn down Chers'- "Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves" as we were screaming it at the tops of our lungs! I'm glad that's a memory i can keep laughing at now. I'm hoping your family is coping well through all this. You're dad was a great, great man.

Maria Hall

July 23, 2009

We would like to express our sympathy to Nancy,Richie,Jill and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Carlton will be missed by all who new him, but never forgotten. Cherish your memories!
Your friends and neighbors, Chuck,Maria and Kayla

Lindsay Higgins Santolucito

July 23, 2009

May he rest in peace, and our condolences to the family. He was my 3rd cousin on my dad's side. My great grandmother was his aunt by marriage (rose Lindsay Willey). My father always spoke of how grounded and wonderful he was. I'm sorry to say I never did meet him, but my father made sure we all had baseball cards of our family celeb. I'm sure they will have coffee in heaven and talk all about the Maine they loved. God Bless.

July 23, 2009

a very nice man and hometown hero in our eyes.he will be sorley missed. my heart goes out to his family at this time. sandy hebden

Al Ketchen

July 22, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and may he rest in peace.

lois hartford

July 22, 2009

To Maureen and CARLETON'S children ,and grand children .We have all lost a wonderful man. he was always kind to everyone. I worked with him years ago at Wyman's in Ellsworth .He was a treasure to the state of Maine and the baseball world.Rest in peace. Lois Hartford.

delmont willey and family all cousins

July 22, 2009

thomas willey

July 22, 2009

Rest in peace our cousin, condolences to the family. We will still carry on your fame.

From the children of Delmont Ricker Willey (2nd cousin we think!)

Alvertie Patten

July 22, 2009

After following his career, I finally met Mr. Willey in person a couple years ago. I will never forget the baseball stories that he shared. I will cherish the autographed baseball and the several pictures that I now have.

Amanda

July 22, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.. May he rest in peace and he sure will be missed in Cherryfield.

Pamela (Burns) King

July 22, 2009

I wish to send my condolences to the family of Carlton. My mother, father and grandmother loved him dearly (George & Kathleen Burns and Martha Grant). I was a fan of his, since I always watched baseball with my dad. Carlton will be sadly missed by everyone.

Sharon St. Claire

July 22, 2009

I would like to extend my sympathy to Carlton's family. Having raised my family in Cherryfield, we would see him often. He was such a kind and friendly man who will be missed by so many who's lives he touched.
Richie and Jill...so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

July 22, 2009

Rest in Peace.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
from the Etheel Smith Willey Grandchildren
Suzanne Black Blue Hill,Me ;Margaret Pert Sedgwick ,Maine
Gerold O. Gray Sedgwick, Maine

Frances and Gerry Flaherty

July 22, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

marc

July 22, 2009

in the late 1970s / early 1980s, i sent away for his autograph. he was kind enough to sign and mail it back.

Alison Wallace

July 22, 2009

Mrs. Willey and Family,

My family and I are sorry to hear of Mr. Willey's passing. I will always remember his exciting baseball stories.

Alton Wallace and family

July 22, 2009

Carlton was a distant cousin of mine. I met him at Sears in Bangor, Maine in 1959. I was proud of his baseball accomplishments with the Braves and his "Rookie of the Year" award in 1958. I talked with Tug McGraw of the Mets and Phillies when Tug was visiting in my area in 1991. He spoke fondly of his "roomie" Carl Willey. I last spoke with Carl on the phone in 2005. He seemed quite nostalgic about the good old days. My thoughts and prayers are with him now and with those he loved. May God rest his soul.

Will Jones
Gurnee, Illinois

Stan Hill

July 22, 2009

It is amazing how one person can make an impression on another. When I was in Jr High School one of our teachers who had grown up in Cherryfield invited Carlton to our school to speak. I was impressed that a real baseball player would come talk to a bunch of kids in Turner, Maine. Carlton signed my baseball which being a kid I subsequently lost but I never forgot him. Many years later as part of my job I was able to meet him again at Wymans. I was still impressed by him. We have truely lost a great but quiet man. May he rest in peace and pitch for the angels.

Wes

July 22, 2009

Rest in peace, fellow veteran, and childhood hero of mine. I salute you.

Jamie Moore

July 22, 2009

Carlton will be missed by many he was a great man and we will miss him here at Darlings Auto Mall where he kept his jeep serviced.My sympathy goes out to the family who i have been lucky enough to know for many years.

July 22, 2009

We would like to express our condolences to the family on Carlton's passing. We got a chance to see him on many occasions during the years when we would come to Cherryfield during the summer. Our kids have his baseball cards and they each have a picture of themselves with Carlton that I took many years ago. I was in school in Cherryfield when Carlton was playing, and all the guys wanted a Carlton Willey baseball glove. I never got one then, but I have found one since, and it sits on a shelf in my office.

We are sorry for your loss, and it is our loss as well.

Barry A Farnsworth
Patricia (Willey) Farnsworth
Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Nancy Burgess

July 22, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Time will heal but you will never forget.

Nancy Burgess and Girls

July 22, 2009

I followed his baseball career--even listening to him pitch for the Mets when their games were broadcast in the State with their owner having Maine connections. He had a heck of a record that last full year with the hapless Mets--a losing record but pitched some excellent losing games. That will make sense to a baseball fan. Even have an autographed Willey baseball. Have an Eastport friend who would fill me in as to how and what he was doing. Truly sorry for your loss.

Gayle Norton

July 22, 2009

Jill.....many good memories of your dad..........my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

WAYNE E. WILLEY

July 22, 2009

I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF LOSS. I HAVE BEEN A FAN FOR A LONG TIME AND HAVE FOLLOWED CALTON WILLEY' S CAREER, HAVE BEEN PROUD BE A RELATION. I AM GRANDSON TO IRVING WILLEY.

Bonnie Peterson and family

July 22, 2009

Mr. Willey waved and smiled every time we crossed paths on the Ridge Road or traveling between Cherryfield and Ellsworth. I never realized I was living near a baseball legend - shame on me. We'll miss his little blue Jeep and his big white smile.

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July 16, 2020

Susan McLain posted to the memorial.

September 10, 2010

cole packird posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2009

Marla Thomas posted to the memorial.