WASHINGTON - Clyde Earl Millay, 89, died peacefully on the morning of May 31, 2015, at the Togus VA Hospital.

Born in Liberty on July 11, 1925, he was the son of Earl and Gladys Howes Millay. He attended school in Liberty until enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the 1008th Engineer Service Battalion. He was involved in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, and spent time in London and Paris. When the war ended, he returned home, married and started a family.

He was a farmer at heart his entire life and spent most of his life as an egg farmer in Washington, Maine. He was an early riser who kept a tight schedule due to the nature of the work. Gardening, hunting, fishing and boiling sap were a necessary part of farm life in the early days and hobbies later in life. He kept a daily diary of the weather, progress of the peas, when he tapped the trees and who came to visit. Visitors were often rewarded with a custard pie, his specialty. This usually initiated a game of cards, cribbage or horse shoes. One of his other favorite pastimes was woodworking. His trademark was picnic tables sold on the front lawn. If he did not make a sale, he usually walked away with a friend and a story. He always had a dog for hunting, security or friendship. His beagle, Peanut, was for rabbit hunting, but became a spoiled family pet. In later years, Sabre became his loyal companion.

He was a member of the Farrar Ross Post No. 9437 American Legion in Washington, where he enjoyed sharing a meal and a story with other veterans. He loved keeping up with his family whenever they came for a visit. Whether it was storing a car for his grandson or holding a new great-grandchild, he was always a willing participant. One of his favorite days of the year was Thanksgiving with an early morning deer hunt and huge family gathering. Even though turkey was traditionally the main course, it was really the mincemeat pie for him! Family and friends alike are going to miss his dry humor and quick wit.

Clyde was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maxine; his step-son, Richard Knowlton; two brothers, George and Arnold Millay; three sisters, Marguerite Benner, Arabelle Knight and Bertha Jackson; and his loyal dog, Sabre.

He is survived by one brother, Wilbur Millay of Hope; two daughters, Irene Maxcy and her husband, Richard, of Warren, and Jolene Millay and her companion, Craig Simmons, of Waldoboro; a step-daughter, Judy Barton of Northport; four grandchildren, James Millay and his companion, Jody Daniello, of Thomaston, Jennifer Blastow and her husband, Mark Grover, of Otisfield, Jessica Maxcy and her companion, Ted Seely, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jonathan Maxcy and his wife, Sarah, of Warren; five great-grandchildren, Evan, Isaiah and Tyler Millay, and Hannah and Chloe Grover; several nieces and nephews; and very special neighbors, Mike, Mary and Tom Shaggy of Washington.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, with the Rev. Scott Benner officiating. Immediately following the service there will be a time for sharing and refreshments at the funeral home's 104 Limerock reception center. Interment will follow at Levensaler Cemetery in Washington.

Memorial gifts may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.