AUBURN — William “Bill” R. Wilding, “Billy Blue Eyes,” 84, of Auburn died at the Hospice House Sunday, April 3.

He was born in Lewiston, Sept. 13, 1926, the son of the late George W. Wilding and Nellie Helen Gray. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, after graduating from Lewiston High School. On Dec. 23, 1949, he married Anna May James of Auburn. They enjoyed 60 years of married life together before her recent death in December 2010.

Bill attended the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City, where he completed a course in interior decoration. It was during this time that William and Anna enjoyed the arts, music and culture that New York City offered. He freelanced as a window trimmer several years, before obtaining a job at B. Peck Department Store in Lewiston.

Bill had a passion for Big Band Era music, archery and foreign cars. He and his wife, Anna enjoyed cross country skiing together and were avid walkers. He had a green thumb and was proud of his gardening creativity with flowers, shrubs and trees.

He is survived by his sons, Tim of Wales and Dain and his wife, Venise, of Lewiston; daughters, Susie Wilding-Hartford of Litchfield and Wendy Chisholm of Oak Harbor, Wash.; grandchildren, Jason Wilding and wife, Karen, Kristen Wilding, Derek Wilding and wife, Shannon, Adam Wilding, Gina and Sadie Hartford, Lindy (Chisholm) Fogg, her husband, Jason and Nathan Chisholm; along with seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Anna; sister, Margaret Duarte; and brother, Arthur Wilding.

Bill was a handsome and well-dressed man who was fashionable and debonair. He showed a flare wearing striking suits and stellar Stetson hats.

A big thank-you goes out to Dr. Austin, Maureen, Gary-Ann and all the remarkable staff at the Hospice House, who filled his last days with comfort, dignity and respect.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to William’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.