ROCKLAND — William George Butman Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025 at the Maine General Rehab and Long-Term Care at Glenridge, in Augusta.

Born in the Knox County Hospital, Rockland, on May 28, 1940, Bill was the son of the late William Sr. and Crystal Shorey Butman. He grew up in Owls Head and attended the one room schoolhouse on Ingraham's Hill. He graduated from Rockland High School, class of 1958, before proudly serving our country for 25 years as a member of the United States Air Force. While in the military, Bill worked in the Avionics Department, maintaining the automatic pilot and electron compass systems on several military aircraft. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Southern Illinois.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bill worked as an Industrial Engineer at Textron Defense Systems in Woburn, Massachusetts where he engineered strategic systems technologies on the MX Missile program. He later went on to work at Cabletron Systems of Rochester, New Hampshire and Circuit Technology Center in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Bill leaves behind the love of his life and best friend, Joanne “Jo” Butman, to whom he was married for over 65 years. The proud father to three children, he leaves behind William Butman III and his wife Robin of Westfield, Massachusetts, Debi Cusato-Robinson and her husband Rick of Marlton, New Jersey and youngest son John of Holden, Massachusetts. Bill was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Bill is predeceased by his sisters Dorothy and Barbara Jean and his younger brother, John. He is survived by his two remaining siblings, Cynthia Peters and Sally Gilbert.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, camping and canoeing. He enjoyed working with his hands, whether repairing appliances and vehicles or turning wood projects on his laith in the garage. One of Bill’s fondest memories of his youth was working on the Victory Chimes, three-masted schooner based in Rockland. His love for the Maine coast really shined through with family gathers on Dix Island, Spruce Head Island and of course Rockland. Bill belonged to the Maine Canoe Symposium and was a member of the Center of Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport where he insisted on washing the dishes after each open house event. Known for his story telling and gift to gab, Bill made friends wherever he went. His infectious smile, caring heart and his willingness to always help others made him truly one of a kind.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 30, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Coughlin Memorial Cemetery, Rankin Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Butman family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.