HIRAM- William L. "Bill" Johnson, 93, of Hiram, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026.
Born in Portland on August 24, 1932, to Leighton and Mildred (Blake) Johnson, Bill was
very proud of his roots in Stroudwater and South Portland.
In 1949, his family bought Apple Acres Farm in South Hiram, and Bill attended Fryeburg
Academy, graduating in 1950. He then went on to the University of Maine in Orono
where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Pennell of Westbrook. He was a member of
Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Ski Team at the University of Maine.
After college, Bill was drafted into the Navy where he travelled the world on the USS
Samuel B. Roberts. When he returned from his service, he began his career in the pulp
and paper industry at SD Warren Paper Company in Westbrook. In 1968, he and his
family moved to Groveton, NH, where he worked at Groveton Paper Company and later
as the UNH School of Continuing Studies Coordinator. In 1979, Bill and his family
moved to Apple Acres Farm where he began his life as a farmer, taking over from his
father Leighton.
Bill rarely missed a chance to go skiing, fishing, or golfing with his many friends. He was
very proud of the fact that he skied until he was 89. A highlight of his year was the annual
fishing trip with friends and family to Lake Parmachenee, which he enjoyed for over 50
years. He was an avid sports fan and followed all of the New England teams, college and
professional.
Above all, Bill was a family man who cherished every minute spent with his family.
There was nothing he liked better than a rousing game of Fantan during holiday get-
togethers.
Bill was a trustee of the Hiram Historical Society where he and Marilyn were recently
awarded the Hubert Clemons Award for their service to the town of Hiram. He had been a
selectman for the Town of Hiram and was an active member of Riverside Methodist
Church. He loved music and to sing and was a member of the Sacopee Singers.
He is predeceased by his parents and his siblings Chandler Johnson and Beverly Nason.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marilyn; his children Lucinda Nugent and
husband John, William Jr. and wife Molly, Johanna Corman and partner Greg Miller,
Thomas Johnson and wife Rhonda; and beloved family members Carol Johnson and
Steven Corman. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Riverside Methodist Church in Porter, Maine, on
February 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Riverside Methodist Church in Porter,
Maine.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com
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