ROCKLAND — William John McWilliams, 75, of Rockland, died unexpectedly at his home Thursday, February 3, 2022.

He was born January 7, 1947 in Newburgh, New York. Predeceased by his parents, Isaac McWilliams and Ruth Kinffin McWilliams; his grandmother Pauline Kniffin; and his aunt Helen Ransom.

Raised in Newburgh and graduated in 1965 from NFA, he served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard and fell in love with Rockland, Maine where he lived most of his life. In Rockland he met his true love, Paula, they married in 1969 and shared four daughters that they both adored.

Bill is survived by his children, Billie Jo Commeau and her husband Heath and their son Quinn of Rockland, Denita McWilliams and her children Keagen and his fiancée Jordyn, Kiara and her fiancé Chris, Colton, and Cade of Rockland, Pauline McWilliams and her fiancé Todd Conant and her children Bryana, Dalton, and Bailey of Rockport, Alicia Blake and her husband Benjie and their daughters Chloe and Haley of Warren; his great-grandchildren, Mason, Finn, Jessica, his little buddy Jonathan, and his bestie Ollie cat; his brother Wesley McWilliams and his wife Cherie of Katy, Texas; his niece Kayla Mitchell and her family of Newburgh, New York; his brother Wayne McWilliams of Laurens, New York; his nieces and nephews, Larry, Paula, Brooke, Laci and their families.

Bill (B-Bamp) was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also shared a special bond with his aunt Helen and her dog PomPom. Bill also loved spending time with his brothers, Wesley and Wayne talking about sports for hours. Bill turned his love of painting into a career as a professional painter and worked at Dan Gushee painting for many years.

He loved music and trivia, and he was known for his love and passion for the sport of baseball. He was a New York Mets fanatic, probably their biggest fan. His favorite day was October 27, 1986, when the Mets beat the Red Sox in the World Series. Bill would often be heard saying his typical catchphrase “Let’s Go Mets”. He enjoyed several trips to Shea Stadium with his daughters to watch the Mets play and always after the game, enjoyed going to Pete’s Hotdogs – a family tradition. He loved playing in the adult softball league where he played shortstop, with Larry, Sr. and many of his friends at the Elk’s Club.

He also loved the New York Giants, you could always hear him saying “18-1”, because NY beat the Patriots. Bill loved summer BBQ’s at Pauline and Todd’s house, there was nothing quite like a McWilliams family get together. He especially loved the holidays, because in his mind he could cook better than anyone, and he loved getting to spend time with his family. He loves his scratch tickets, betting horses, playing the lottery, and drinking beers with friends and family. Bill was full of love and life and was always up for a good time. You could say he was the life of the party, there was always something unexpected coming out of his mouth and he was constantly telling funny stories from his past.

Bill will be missed by so many people, especially his daughters.

A celebration of life will be held sometime this summer.

For those who wish, donations to assist with Bill’s funeral expenses are gratefully accepted; checks may be made payable to the William J. McWilliams Funeral Fund, c/o Camden National Bank, ATTN: Donaleen DiNapoli, Rockland Office, P.O. Box 880, Rockland, Maine 04841.

Arrangemnts are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with Bill’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.