William H. Lewis, 81, died peacefully at his home in East Boothbay on Dec. 28, 2014.

Bill was born on March 15, 1933 in Bath, the son of the late Maxcy and Edna (Wilson) Lewis. Growing up on Barters Island, he attended local schools. Bill then joined the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. Upon returning to Maine, he began a career working around the water.

Bill worked for Fuller's Shipyard, Frank Sample Shipyard, and Goudy & Stevens Shipyard. After working at the shipyards, he began a career as an engineer on the boats in the harbor, working for Bob McLellan for 22 years, and then Terry and Riley for another 20 years. The fleet knew him as a jack of all trades and somewhat of a MacGyver. Bill could fix anything and was always looked at to make sure the fleet would stay running. Nobody dreamed of being gone long if Bill was on board.

After retiring, he found work on dry land working as a handy man at the Lobsterman’s Wharf, first for Hilary and Kathy Heaton and then for Bill Murphy. Bill was a hard worker and could always be found doing something; he was never one to sit around. In his younger years he enjoyed spending time outside hunting. When the weather was nice, Bill loved to be on his motorcycle. He would raise a lot of hell as a youngster and had some great stories to tell about his adventures on his Harley.

In his later years Bill loved spending time in his garden. He was a storyteller that could always keep you entertained; he was quick witted and loved to mess with people. Bill loved to listen to his loving wife Hilda play the piano, and would occasionally accompany her on the spoons, but primarily he would just sit back and enjoy the music. A humble man, he never looked for kudos in anything he did. He was a hell-raiser with a heart.

His was a member of the Knights of Pythias, a volunteer firefighter for East Boothbay, a member of United Bikers of Maine, and a past commander of the VFW.

He was predeceased by his wife Hilda Dodge Lewis, brother Frank S. Lewis, and great-grandson Liam Lewis.

Survivors include his children, William L. Lewis and his wife Heather of Boothbay, Linda Livingston of Boothbay Harbor, and Mike Lewis and his wife Vicki of East Boothbay; grandchildren, Clint W. Lewis and his wife Tarrah of Virginia, Justin M. Lewis and his wife Amy Williams of Boothbay, Nicholas Livingston of Boothbay Harbor, William Livingston and his wife Hillary of Boothbay Harbor, Bridy A. Lewis of Boothbay Harbor, and Brandy Lewis Hunt and her husband Adam of Texas; great-grandchildren, Blake Lewis of Texas and Carmela Lewis of Virginia; brother, Maxcy Lewis of Georgia; and his beloved four-legged friend, “Maxcy.”

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Knights of Pythias service at 6 p.m., at Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Jan. 2 at 11 a.m. at Hall Funeral Home, with Pastor Ami Sawtelle officiating.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, 27 Atlantic Hwy., Edgecomb, ME 04556, or to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240

You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted Hall Funeral Home, Boothbay.