ROCKLAND — William A. McNeil III, 46, let go of his mooring line for the last time on July 27, 2015.

Born in Rockland on Jan. 28, 1969, he was the son of William McNeil Jr. and Movita Horton. He finished his education at Rockland High School, receiving his GED certificate.

Bill, or “Billba,” as he was known to his friends, chose a life of lobstering, fishing the coast off Rockland, Owls Head and Matinicus. As he told his family many times, the sea was the only place he found peace. While life for him was not always tranquil, he had many wonderful moments and the most important was the birth of his daughter, Kylie. He had many lifelong friends that loved him through thick and thin, good times and bad.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Kylie McNeil of Florida; his fiancée, Amy M. Stendel of Rockland; his devoted mother, Movita Horton of Bar Harbor; his sister, Velita Flowers and her family of Moultrie, Ga.; and his brother, Eric McNeil and his family of Dresden.

Bill loved and was loved — 1st Corinthians 13; 12-13

A celebration of Bill's life will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. The Rev. Mike Ferland will officiate. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Seacoast Missions, 127 West Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.