Stanley O. Willey

ROME -- Stanley O. Willey, 81, a lifelong resident of Rome, passed into the arms of his Lord on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at Lakewood Manor, in Waterville.

He was born Feb. 3, 1927, in Belgrade, the son of Preston and Ida Willey, and was educated in Belgrade schools.

He served in the Army, 88th Infantry Division, from 1945 to 1947 as a lineman, telegraph and telephone troubleshooter, stationed in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Rome, working as a lumberjack and carpenter, owning his own carpentry business.

Stanley was a member of the Rome Volunteer Fire Department, receiving a recognition award in 1992 for 25 years of dedication and loyalty. He was also a deacon and trustee of the Rome Baptist Church. Mr. Willey was an avid Red Sox fan. He enjoyed fishing on Great Pond, hunting with his son, four-wheeling with his grandsons, and spending time with family and friends.

He loved his home on Great Pond, which he shared with his wife, Avis, always marveling at the beautiful views, wildlife and nature. He enjoyed maintaining his lawns and gardens and was well known for his random acts of kindness through the years.

Stanley is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Avis; his son, David Willey and his wife, Denise, of Oakland; his daughter, Shirley Douin and her husband, Larry, of Sidney; grandchildren Christopher Douin, Ryan Willey and his fiancee, Ashley Wardwell, Justin Willey, and Molly Webster and her husband, Nathan; great-grandchildren Ian C. Douin, C.J. Douin, Johna Douin, Aiden Willey and Emma Webster; sisters Alice Collicut, Sharon Fuller and her husband, Roy, and Pauline Towers and her husband, Walter; sister-in-law Annette Willey; brothers Cecil Willey and his wife, Ruth, and Russell Willey and his wife, Debbie; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Roger Lee Willey; and his grandson Ian Scott Douin.

Relatives and friends may visit at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, 3-5 p.m. Sunday. A celebration of his life will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Monday.

Stanley's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at MaineGeneral Medical Center's Thayer Unit, especially Dr. Hebda, Dr. Hertler and Dr. Miller. Also, a special thank-you to the compassionate staff, nurses, and attendants at Lakewood Manor for the kindness and wonderful care Stan received while there.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Rome Baptist Church c/o Roxanne Blaisdell, 680 Augusta Road, Rome, ME 04963.

www.khrfuneralhomes.com