William “Bill” H. Cummings Jr.

AUBURN – William “Bill” H. Cummings Jr., passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday May 21, 2025; he was 96. He was a loving father, devoted husband, and a friend to many, known for his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and strength. Born June 14,1928, in Lewiston, to William H. Cummings and Jane Glenola Wright Cummings. Bill lived his entire life in Auburn.

Bill graduated from Edward Little High School in 1946, New Hampton Prep School in 1947, and the University of Maine Business School in 1951.

Bill married the love of his life Lorraine Laniel on July 25, 1959. They raised three daughters and spent a lifetime playing tennis, skiing, and traveling the world together and with close friends. Bill will be remembered for his uncanny sense of humor and storytelling.

Bill had a 30-plus-year career as president of Auburn Motor Sales, later known as Fordland, where he was a partner with his brother Norman. Together they built their father’s Ford dealership into one of the most successful dealerships in the New England area. Bill also served on the boards of various local businesses throughout his career.

As a young man he was an accomplished athlete. He was on the varsity ski team for Edward Little High School where he excelled in both Alpine racing and ski jumping. He would go on to be a nationally ranked Class A ski jumper. In 1996 he was inducted into the Lewiston-Auburn Sports Hall of Fame and in 2008 inducted into the State of Maine Ski Hall of Fame.

At the of age 71 Bill obtained his private pilot’s license and fulfilled a dream come true to pilot a plane. He spent countless hours flying over his beloved state of Maine.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Julie Cummings of Colorado, Leslie Cummings of Maine and Laurie Cummings of Maine and his grandchildren Devyn Cummings of Colorado and Nicole Cummings of North Carolina. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye and the joy of his life.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Cummings, sister, Cynthia Williams, brother, Norman Cummings, and brother John Cummings.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Andwell Health Partners and the amazing caregivers from Firstlight Home Care for providing exceptional care to our father.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held June 14, at 11 a.m., at the West Auburn Congregational Church. The service is open to the public.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Andwell Health Partners or American Heart Association http://www.heart.org