WOODVILLE – Orin William “Bubby” Chesley, 74, died July 2, 2013, at a Millinocket hospital, after a courageous, four-year battle with blood cancer. He was born May 2, 1939, in Medway, son of William E. and Frances (Delano) Chesley.
He attended school in South Woodville before going to work at age 14 to help support his family. He was employed at Lincoln Pulp & Paper Co., Inc. for 44 years, retiring as a dryer machine tender in 2003. He enjoyed driving truck, farming, cutting wood, camping and playing his accordion in church and at local nursing homes. He was a Christian man of large faith, having accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1979; he was always ready to extend a helping hand to all those less fortunate than himself. He was a long-time member of Chester Baptist Church, where he served as both trustee and deacon and of Woodville Community Club.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sheila Ann (Towle) Chesley of Woodville; two sons and their wives, William O. and Sandra Chesley and Timothy and Jolene Chesley, all of Woodville; daughter, Lori Chesley of Millinocket; four grandchildren, Cary A. Chesley of Bangor, Jessica Salas of Texas, Laycee White of Corinna and William T. Chesley of Woodville; great-granddaughter, Ella-Jo Young of Corinna; two brothers and their wives, Cary D. and Linda Chesley of Enfield and Arthur and Sally Chesley of Lincoln; sister and husband, Amy and Bill Lee of Lincoln; uncle, Cary Lyon of Bangor; five stepsisters, Cecilia Murphy of Millinocket, Beatrice Preston of Reed, Pauline Bowers of Clinton, Linda Kimball of Woodville and Diane Beach of Topsfield; stepbrother, Samuel Michaud Jr., of Howland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Gail Fleming, Albert Chesley and Clifton Chesley; stepmother, Rella (Michaud) Chesley; and stepbrother, Danforth Michaud.
Visiting hours will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, with funeral services directly after at 3:15 p.m., with Pastor Wayne Perry officiating. Burial will be at Woodville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Chester Baptist Building Fund, care of Bonita Cox, 42 Bagley Mt. Road, Lincoln, ME 04457. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.
Orin William ‘Bubby’ Chesley
