SOUTH THOMASTON — William “Billy” David Atwood, 86, of South Thomaston, passed to the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on March 15, 2025.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

Billy was born May 9, 1938 in Milton, Massachusetts to Marsden Atwood and Elizabeth MacDonald Atwood. Billy grew up in Braintree, Massachusetts and moved to Maine at the age of 15. He graduated from Rockland High School where he excelled in track and football. He also attended the Burdett Business College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Billy honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1959, and enjoyed sharing stories of basic training and his time abroad. Billy was very proud of the sharpshooting skills he acquired during his service.

Both of his parents had an incredible influence over him. He gained his love of art from his mother and proudly displayed her artwork and the work of other artists in prominent locations throughout his home. He owed his love of the lobster business and the sea to his father, from whom he learned many skills that would make him the successful businessman that he was.

The William Atwood Lobster Company was well-known throughout Maine, greater New England, and even abroad. Billy started his business out of the back of his truck in 1962 and grew it to what would eventually become the largest exporter of lobster in New England. Billy was a third generation lobsterman and was truly born to it - he had a rare passion and love for the work. Billy was also an integral part of the Maine Lobster Festival, providing lobsters and inventing and sponsoring the crate races that so many generations of children have enjoyed.

Billy married his beloved wife, Sandra Daggett Atwood, on August 21, 1992. Together the couple built a wonderful life and created many fond memories. Billy combined two things he greatly enjoyed - going to Eleuthera, Bahamas in the winter months and fishing for bone fish. He would take Sandra fishing with him and send her diving with her snorkel to see how the fly landed and how the fish responded to his colorful creations. The couple not only enjoyed fishing but also spending time with family, hosting dinner parties, sailing, traveling, church, and going to camp and fishing or boating on Moosehead Lake.

Billy also enjoyed some more solitary hobbies. He enjoyed watching football with his dogs curled up in his lap, especially his faithful companion Lily. He also enjoyed the outdoors and would tend his fruit trees and battle the Japanese Beatles waging war against his grapes vines, showing off his collection at the end of the day.

Billy was a calm, good natured, happy man who always had a twinkle in his eye and a ready laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Billy was predeceased by his parents, Marsden and Elizabeth Atwood; son James Warner Atwood; and cousin Peter Larson.

Billy is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sandra Daggett Atwood of South Thomaston. He leaves behind his children Traci (Peter) Howe, Sam Atwood, and David Atwood; step-children William (Kim) Cochran, Allison (Paul) Wilson, Heidi (Heribert) Goudreau, David (Laurie) Noonan; and grandchildren Kendra (John) Hubbard, Joshua (Jennifer) Goudreau, Michael (Kara) Wilson, Jeremiah Goudreau, Jake (Chelsea) Wilson, Meghan (Matt) Briggs, Peter “Wells” Howe, Jr., Richard “Camden” Howe, Janelle Noonan, Luke Noonan, Sam J. Atwood, and Logan Atwood. Billy also leaves behind a large number of great-grandchildren.

Billy loved his family and left a lasting legacy. In addition to his immediate family, Billy forged close bonds with his nephew Marty Molloy, niece Eva Robinson, and nephew John Robinson.

A service to celebrate the life of Billy will be held on April 17, at 11 a.m., at the Thomaston Baptist Church, 212 Main Street, Thomaston, Maine. A reception will be held at the church following the service. The committal service with military honors will be held at the Village Cemetery in Thomaston at 2 p.m.

Contributions in Billy’s memory may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 78 Main Street, Thomaston, ME.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.