William “Bill” Presby

PORTLAND – William “Bill” Presby, 76, of Fayette, passed away at Maine Medical Center on Dec. 17, 2021 with his daughters and grandchildren by his side. He was born in Avon, on Sept. 22, 1945, to the late Merton, Sr. and Rowena (Pillsbury) Presby. He attended school in Phillips and graduated in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served our country as a Paratrooper during the war in Vietnam. After returning home he met Marie L’Italien; they were married in May 1968 at St. Mary’s Church in Wilton. He drove a truck for many years as an owner/operator, retiring from Midwest Price. He enjoyed tending to his very large and beautiful vegetable garden, maintaining his peach and apple trees, and figuring out new ways to keep the birds out of his blueberry bushes. He could knit, crotchet, sew, can vegetables, and make jams and jellies. He was a talented artist, although he never liked to show anyone his work. He also learned how to make homemade wine, of every variety, and loved to share it with his friends and family; it often tasted like moonshine and on occasion would blow up in his kitchen during fermentation! Bill had a quick humor and enjoyed spending time with his many friends, especially Robert L’Italien and Dave Graff. He is survived by his daughters Andrea Robichaud and her husband Peter of Fayette, and Laura Aube and her husband Tom of Augusta; grandchildren Ayla Presby of Conn., LCpl William Shank, Camp Lejeune N.C., Elizabeth and Isaac Aube of Augusta, and great-granddaughter Adelea Bronish of New Vineyard; brother Dennis Presby and his wife Brenda of Avon and sister Linda Leavitt and her husband Cecil of Jay, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Merton, Jr. and Hayden Presby. A private celebration of life will be held in the spring. Cremation cared for by Wiles Remembrance Center 308 Franklin Rd. Jay. A kind word may be left in his Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com.