William Arthurs

William “Bill” Asa Arthurs III, 74, of Lee passed away on March 18, 2024 after staying strong for years in his fight with cancer. Bill was born in Penobscot County on March 2, 1950, to William Asa and Ila May (Boyington) Arthurs. Billy grew up around Lincoln, there he had a fine time being a rascal with his brothers and friends. He attended, and graduated from Mattanawcook Academy. Bill had a traveler’s spirit and journeyed across the country many times by foot, thumb, bus, and car. Bill tried his hand at many professions. He could be considered a jack of all trades. He worked hard in mills, factories, at gold-panning, selling cars, building ski lodges, just to name a few.

Bill had a lifelong love and respect for animals that lead him to his calling. He found true joy and peace midway through his life in the town of Lee. There he cared for anything with fur at his wildlife refuge, he owned and ran the Lee Redemption Center and Appliance store and seasonally cutting grass at Lee’s cemetery grounds. Bill was a 30-year member of AA, he practiced the principles of recovery in all his affairs. In death, Bill has earned his AA Infinity sobriety token. He embodied the belief, above all, “to thine own self be true”. Perhaps his calling was to work with injured wildlife because he too was once an injured wild animal. Bill was strong, it’s the only way he knew.
He was jovial, wise and had care and concern for others. He often felt others pain and believed all forms of addiction come from pain. It didn’t matter what kind of pain, just that pain causes addiction. People will miss seeing him sitting in front of his Lee business. He was thought well of by other animal lovers and professionals, he was a good Mainer, he is likely smiling down and chuckling at us all now. Bill will also be missed by his pets, wildlife animals, friends, family, passersby, and other old codgers.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Joe, Larry, and Jerry; nephew, Robert; great nephew, Larry Jr.; sister-in-law, Joyce, all located in Maine; and ex-wife, Sharon in Ohio.

Bill is survived by his children, William Asa (Aleya) of Springfield, Ohio, Heidi (Chris) of Dayton, Ohio; sisters, Linda (Bill) Houghton of Lincoln, Robin (Grant) Polomsky of Connecticut, Ellen (Eric) Shorey of Lee; sisters-in-law, Phyllisann (Jerry) of Lincoln, Rowena (Larry) of North Carolina; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and longtime friend and witness to his life, Jacqueline Oulette of Lee.

We ask in place of flowers or cards please donate monies, services, or make a purchase to help animals through conservation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 41 State House Station Augusta, ME. 04333, the Penobscot Valley Humane Society, 1 Park St, Lincoln, ME. 04457, or 4R Animal Rescue in Lee, ME. 202 Thomas Hill Rd, Lee, ME. 04455. A graveside memorial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lee, Maine details will be shared at a later date.