William Harold Lewis

MILLINOCKET - William Harold Lewis, 71 years old, passed away in the care of the doctors and nurses at Millinocket Regional Hospital, Millinocket, Maine in the early morning hours of Saturday August 23rd, 2025. Bill was born on June 27, 1954 in Worcester, Massachusetts to William Henry Lewis of Barre, Vermont and Ruth Marion (Payson) Lewis of Whitinsville, Massachusetts. As a child, Bill attended Gates Lane School. His long time friend from that time, Jim Hannon, was of great help and comfort to him over the last few decades. Bill went on to graduate from St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, MA and attended classes at Worcester Community College.

He was predeceased by both parents, his father, suddenly stricken in 1969 at his sister's wedding, passing hours later and by his beloved mother in 1975 after her heroic battle with metastatic liver cancer.

Bill loved Maine. He often spoke of his life there as the only place he felt free. His maternal grandfather, Ernest Milton Payson, was one of ten children, was born in Rockland/Lewiston Maine. He migrated south with many for machine work. He served as a dye maker at Whitin Machine Works for many years. Bill was skilled in the same way, a true "MacGyver" and worked for fifteen years as a machinist in the Forge of Wyman Gordon for government defense work.

Bill walked to a "different drummer" and held strong opinions for and against many issues. Those who remained in his circle of friends and family were challenged at times requiring deep Love and forgiveness born of Faith in God, which he also fervently professed with his recovery meetings and literature.

He leaves his estranged former wife, sons and granddaughters as well as his sister and brother-in-law Pamela (Lewis) Sutton and [Arthur] David Sutton, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Dave and Pam suggest donations to the First Congregational Church of East Millinocket, Maine and/or St. John's Parish, 40 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604 Food Pantry for the Poor Program c/o Father Madden.

Bowers Funeral Home Houlton, Maine is providing the necessary care services at the family's request. Interment will be with a private graveside service at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Massachusetts later in September.