MILBRIDGE – Carroll E. Willey, 87, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2005. He was born Aug. 19, 1917, in Cherryfield, the son of John A. and Dora (Harrington) Willey. Carroll served in the Army Air Corps as an airplane mechanic in the 503rd Fighter Squadron during World War II. When he left England in August of 1945 to come home, he crossed the Atlantic in a Liberty ship. His was the first troop ship to enter Boston Harbor after the war ended, and he always talked about the tremendous reception they received. After returning home, he owned and operated a small construction business. He also worked his entire life as a leaseholder for A.L. Stewart and Cherryfield Foods. The best times of his life were spent with family and friends at his camp on the blueberry barrens. He often said he would rather be at “the old camp” than anywhere else in the world. He passed away with a cherished painting of his camp at his bedside. Carroll was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. For many years he was a member of the Milbridge Volunteer Fire Department, and of the American Legion, Post No.8 in Cherryfield. On Nov. 10, 2003, at a Veteran’s Day assembly at Narraguagus High School, he was honored for the service he gave to his country during World War II. That honor meant more to him than words could ever say. Carroll is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Erma (Kelley) Willey of Milbridge; a son, Wayne Willey and his wife, Linda of Milbridge; a daughter, Lucille Willey and her companion, Don Beal, of Cherryfield; a brother in law, William Kelley, of Milbridge; six grandchildren, Charemon Willey of Damariscotta, Chuck and Wanese Lynch of Ellsworth, Travis and Nicole Willey of Columbia Falls; Valerie Sargeant and Ron Williams of Cherryfield, David Cashman and Starley Moffitt of Harrington, and Joshua Willey and Tara Moffitt of Glenburn; 10 great-grandchildren, and one more expected in June; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carroll’s family was the joy of his life. He was predeceased by his mother and father, and nine brothers and sisters. Friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Milbridge, where funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday with military honors. Spring interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Milbridge. In honor of the years he spent as a volunteer firefighter, gifts in memory of Carroll may be sent to the Milbridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 173, Milbridge.
CARROLL E. WILLEY
