William J. “Bill” Flynn, 74, NEPGA Professional and Hall of Fame Member, who overcame a partially paralyzed right arm from birth to become an icon in North Shore and New England golf circles, died at home, surrounded by family. He was the devoted husband for 53 years of Janice (McCormick) Flynn.
Born in Danvers on Oct. 2, 1936, he was the son of the late William and Honora (Hynes) Flynn. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School, Class of 1955.
Flynn’s life in golf started as a 10-year-old caddy at United Shoe Country Club (now Beverly Golf and Tennis Club). Bill went on to become an assistant golf professional/caddymaster at Salem Country Club followed by Head Professional at the Thomson Country Club. He then went on to become owner of Lakeview Golf Course in Wenham, Far Corner Golf Course in West Boxford and the Windham Country Club in Windham, NH.
An accomplished golf professional, his victories include the 1959 Vermont Open, the 1963 Massachusetts and the 1968 New England PGA Championship.
Serving on the executive committee New England P.G.A. for seven years, he then assumed the duties of secretary-treasurer and later president. Flynn also served as a vice-president of the National PGA and returned as NEPGA secretary-treasurer for 1983 and 1984. He was inducted into the NEPGA Hall of Fame in 1998.
Flynn promoted junior golf at all his clubs and courses, offering free junior clinics, free equipment and free play time on his layouts for youths and beginners of all ages.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his son and daughter in law, Michael and Kim Flynn of South Hamilton, his son and his companion, Bob Flynn and Lisa Mallard of Danvers, his daughter Joanne of Salem, NH and his daughter and her companion, Janna Flynn and Leif Rochna, two granddaughters, Jordan Rochna of Danvers and Kyra Flynn of Dracut, and a sister, Sheila Moulton-Kelly of Danvers. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Flynn.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 13 at 10am in St. Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 3-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Salem, NH, 4 SARL Dr., Salem, NH 03709 or the Danvers People-to-People Food Pantry, PO Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923. www.LyonsFuneral.com.