Rev. William Morley
Gilford, N.H.-----Bill Morley, of Gilford, NH, passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on April 6, 2014. He was born in Arlington, MA, on April 25, 1930, and was adopted at the age of five by Georgie Eva and Joseph Morley.
His early years were spent in Everett and Malden, MA, until he entered the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Following Korea, he served as an Air Force Concert Band member and enjoyed playing percussion for the rest of his life.
He was a member of the Korean War Veterans in Bangor, ME, and had an uncanny ability to remember sports information.
At the age of 30, Bill felt called to Christian ministry and moved to Maine to attend Bangor Theological Seminary. He also attended B. U. Pastor’s School for four summers and was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1967.
In Maine, he often served two churches in one Parish: Orrington/Orrington Corner, Easton/Mars Hill, Corinna/Hartland, Round Pond/New Harbor, Kittery, Mapleton/Washburn, Waldoboro, Searsport/North Searsport, Boothbay Harbor, Biddeford/Saco, Strong, and Penobscot.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings. His surviving family includes Nancy (Thain) his wife of 57 years, and three sons: William Jr. of Lincoln, MA; Joseph and his wife Rhonda of Florissant, MO; and Robert and his wife Janelle of York, ME.
He was thankful to have eight special grandchildren: Nancy E. Morley and William G. Morley of Newmarket, NH; Eric Morleyand his wife Janna of Bossier City, LA; Elizabeth Mallott and her husband Paul of Hazelwood, MO; Hannah and Edward Morley of Lincoln, MA; Brittany and Chelsea Morley of York, ME. He was also thankful to remain in contact with his Morley and Wilmot nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 18 Wesley Way, Gilford, NH., on Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The First United Methodist Church of Gilford, the Preacher’s Aid Society of New England or any church that Rev. Morley served.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.