William L. Stone

NEW GLOUCESTER -  William L.  Stone  "Stoney" or "Bill", 78, passed peacefully into his eternal resting place at his home on January 17th. He was born in Portland, Maine on July 7, 1945 to Eunice and Lewis Stone. 

Bill attended Gray-New Gloucester High School, but left halfway through it to find work at local gas stations to help out at home. He ended up getting his license to drive tractor trailer trucks and did so for many different companies. Over time, he eventually started his own excavating business, William L. Stone Excavating in New Gloucester that he ran for many years until passing it on in 2017 to his grandson, Brandon Munroe to carry on his legacy.

Following in his grandfathers footsteps, Bill was an avid stock car racer. On and off from 1965-1972, he raced at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in car "53".  He also raced at Oxford Speedway in car "32". This is where he passed on his love of the sport to his son, Rick and his grandson, Brandon. Rick driving car "80" and Brandon carry on car "32".

Bill was a hard worker, but when he found time off,  he loved spending it with his wife, Barbara of 45 years and his family. He loved playing cribbage, SkipBo, having cookouts and going up to camp at Miles and Carole's in Wilson Mills.

Bill was the patriarch of his family and loved them with his whole heart. His was a true legend in his small town community especially at his favorite coffee, breakfast & lunch spots "Buddy's Store and Wings/Links". Many laughs and conversations about work and family happened at these two local businesses. 

He was the definition of loyalty and genuineness. His willingness to help others was amazing. His precious smile and laughter was contagious and he always made people feel welcomed by it. 

He was a man that touched so many lives in so many positive ways! He passed his skills in earthwork on to many individuals including his sons and grandsons and they sure did learn from the best!

He is predeceased by his parents Eunice and Lewis Stone, his brother Perry Stone, his daughters Eleita Munroe and Sonya Hawthorne and his brother-in-law Miles Millet.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Stone; sister Carole Millet; brother Fred Stone; sister Gladys Glasier and her husband James; son Richard Stone and his wife Kim; son Robert Stone and his wife Shannon;  son James Hawthorne; son Arthur Hawthorne; daughter Michelle Andrews and her husband Ken; daughter Trina DeMerchant and her husband Jerry; son Brian Hawthorne; and many, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Wilson's Funeral home in Gray on Saturday, February 3rd. Visiting hours will be 1:00-3:00 and service 3:00-4:00.

A graveside service and celebration of William's life will be held in the summer of 2024.

Memorial Donations can be made in memory of William L Stone to:

Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice

15 Strawberry Ave

Lewiston,  ME 04240
 

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