GOULDSBORO – The Rev. James William “Billy” Renwick Sr., 74, passed on to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, at a health care facility in Davenport, Fla. He was born March 20, 1934, in Gouldsboro, the son of the late James F. Renwick and Evelyn (Hammond) Wilkinson and her husband, Alan. He was the grandson of William and Hilda (Swazey) Hammond. Billy was educated at Winter Harbor High School, graduating with the Class of 1952, as class salutatorian. He furthered his education at Bangor Theological Seminary, becoming an ordained minister, July 25, 1982. Before his ordination, he was a lay minister for Birch Harbor Baptist Church and Eastbrook Baptist Church. After his ordination, he became pastor of Warren Baptist Church for many years. With a love of the ocean, he was a lobsterman captaining the F/V Jonco Bill and the Roxanne. As a fisherman he enjoyed all aspects of the sea, including digging blood worms, herring seining, dragging for scallops, shrimp and fish. Billy enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, ball games, lobster bakes, picnics, traveling, reading, swimming and singing. He was a community man that enjoyed being with people and had a gift of relating to everyone. He married Gwendolyn (Myrick) of the village of Won Squeek, June 23, 1953, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage and service together. In addition to his wife, family members include his four children, James William Renwick Jr. and wife, Diane, Johnathan Renwick and wife, Vicky, Roxanne Malloy and husband, James, and Timothy Renwick and wife, Sherri; grandchildren, Davey, Trevor, Jimmy, Jeff, Joey, Kristina and Jack; great-grandchildren, Ian, Natalie and Reece; siblings, Sandra Reed, Alan Wilkinson Jr. and wife, Narda, David Wilkinson and wife, Beverly, and Steve Wilkinson and his wife, Yvonne; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Hammond Hall, Main Street, Winter Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bill Renwick to a church of their choice. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. www.bragdonkelley.com
REV. JAMES WILLIAM ‘BILLY’ RENWICK SR.
