AUGUSTA — Willie G. Deshaies, 62, a resident of Main St., Jay, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, following a lengthy illness.

He was born May 13, 1948, in Livermore Falls, the son of Willie F. and Emma B. (Lacroix) Deshaies. He attended school in Jay.

On June 20, 1981, he married his wife of 29 years, Cheryl Vikki Gray of Livermore Falls. Willie worked with his family at Deshaies Cash Market in Chisholm, later taking over the business and developing Deshaies Lobster Salad and distributing the product throughout Maine. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay. Willie was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus of Jay, and the Elks Lodge No. 2430 in Farmington, where he was a very active member. He served two terms as exalted ruler and district deputy exalted ruler. He also was chairman of the Elliott and Friends Cancer Program for Children.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Deshaies of Jay; his sisters, Pauline Richard and her husband, Adrice, of Livermore Falls, Bernice DiSoto of Jay, Jeannine Bryant and her husband, Donald, of Jay, Mary Ann “Mimi” Nelson and her husband, Richard, of Jay, and Elaine Doiron and her husband, Norman M., also of Jay; several nieces and nephews; his mother and father–in-law, Althea and Richard Hoisington of East Livermore; his wife’s aunt, Brenda Endicott of Freeport; and cousins, Tina and Chris Whalen and their children, Anna, Lilly and Julia Whalen, who Willie always thought of as his grandchildren; and Karen Bryant, a special niece who helped Bill in his times of need.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Wilma Roy.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com