SPRINGVALE — William A. Colby, 68, of Springvale, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.
William was born in Sanford on Jan. 26, 1947 to Louis and Edna (Thom-pson) Colby.
He grew up in Waterboro and attended local schools until his family relocated to Lebanon in 1961.
After he moved, he began attending Sanford schools, and graduated from Sanford High School in 1966.
In 1967 he married Elaine Turgeon, and together they shared 48 years of marriage and had five children.
William was drafted into the U.S. Army after high school and proudly served his country for two years during the Vietnam conflict era.
Following his service, he held several jobs before accepting a position with the Sanford Sewerage District where he was employed for more than 20 years.
William was a member of the American Legion in Sanford. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved his vegetable gardens and liked canning vegetables and giving them to family and friends.
He was always a very hard-working man and took pride in providing for his family. William will be remembered as a kind and loving man and for always putting the needs of others before his own. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
William was preceded in death by: his parents; a son, William A. Colby Jr.; and four brothers, Parker, Bernard, Robert and Richard Colby.
He is survived by: his wife, Elaine Colby of Springvale; two daughters, Crystal Tapscott of Sanford, and Lauri Carson and her husband Christian of Winthrop; two sons, Todd Colby and his fiancée Bethany Scott of Springvale, and Timothy Colby of Springvale; four grandchildren, Thomas Carson, Matthew Carson, Ryan Tapscott and Jacob Scott; three sisters, Marilyn Emmons, Katherine Ruel and April Hilton; four brothers, Edward, Ronald, Roger and Earl Charles Colby; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16 at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, located at 580 Main St. in Springvale.
A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at Forest Grove Cemetery in Lebanon.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.