SOUTH CAROLINA ---- William ‘Bill’ Francis Crane, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 76.
Born on September 26, 1948, in Warwick, Rhode Island, his formative years would remain there until the family’s love of New Hampshire would draw them to move to the beautiful lakes region permanently.
From 1970 to 1990, Bill was the Owner of Sugarloaf Mountain Builders. His company designed and built Stone Gate Acres in Hebron, Pine Hill in Meredith, Village Savings Bank, Village West 1 & 2 in Gilford, Lands End in Moultonborough, the early stages of Samoset in Gilford, Homes at Eastman Pond in Grantham, the Ledges in Alexandria, among many others.
Bill took a hiatus from building in 1990. During this time, he married Terri Mooney and began his visits to Hilton Head, SC. Construction lured him back to a partnership with Tim Long of Bedford and the creation of Meridian Construction. Retirement from Meridian afforded Bill and Terri permanent residence in SC where Bill considered his second home.
He is survived by his sons Billy Crane and his wife Cheryl and Casey Crane and his wife Crystal, step-son Ryan Mooney; and his grandchildren, Parker Crane, Brecken Crane and Landon Crane. He also leaves behind his first wife Sharon Crane, second wife Terri Mooney, brother Bud Crane and his wife Mary and his sister Cathy Crane and her husband Mark Burzynski. Bill was predeceased by his parents William Joseph Crane and June Crane.
Bill had a passion for work, skiing, golf, hunting, car racing, and boating. Whether in the office, on the slopes, on the green, in the woods, at the track, or out on the water, he embraced life with energy, curiosity, and joy. Those who knew him will remember his infectious presence, adventurous spirit, and love for his family and friends.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 1:00pm-3:00pm, at Hart’s Turkey Farm, 233 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, New Hampshire.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Captain Douglas DiCenzo Camp Fund, https://www.dougscampfund.org/donate, a cause close to the family’s heart.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.