Veteran of World War II and Korean War,
local postal carrier, 60-year resident
Willard Millis died in Waterville, Me., Jan. 23, 2014. Born in Westford, Mass., on Oct. 31, 1920, he was one of five children born to Ruth and Willard Nathaniel Millis. He was known as Elsie, Uncle Bill, Grandpa Bill, or simply Bill. He married Anita Bryand in 1940, a marriage that continued until her death in 2004. Bill was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. Early in his life he worked as a machinist, truck driver, and mechanic, although many knew him as the rural letter carrier in Harvard or as the owner of Millis Machine Shop, where he and his wife repaired small engines. Bill was a talented craftsman and could make, if needed, virtually anything out of metal. He also had other somewhat unusual skills, such as being able to ride a bike backwards. Later in life he also became a talented cook, with apple pies from an old family recipe being his specialty. Perhaps his greatest skill was making people laugh. His sense of humor was always with him, even during his last years.
Bill moved to Harvard in 1946 and always considered that his home, even after illness prompted his move to Maine in 2006. He and Anita opened their home to family cookouts around their pool. It was there that many of the younger generation learned to drive on one of Bill’s numerous tractors or riding lawn mowers. Bill and Anita also developed many friendships through their enjoyment of their motor home. For many years winters would see them leaving Harvard for the warmth of Florida. Following his stroke in 2006, he was no longer able to drive and as a result moved to Park Residences in Waterville to be near his son. There he soon became known for his friendliness as well as for his fondness for the bacon served with his huge breakfast each morning. Bill never seemed to complain about the difficulties that he faced as he aged. Perhaps the singular exception was when well-meaning nurses tried to pass off turkey bacon as the real thing.
Bill is survived by his son Willard E. Jr. and daughter-in-law Martha of Sidney, Me.; grandson Benjamin and his wife Sara of Leicester, England; granddaughter Kendra of Sidney, Me.; great-grandchildren Emma, James, and Tom; and by his brother Frank Millis of Ayer.
Donations in Bill’s honor can be made to the Harvard Council on Aging, 13 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451.
Visiting hours were held at Badger Funeral Home in Littleton on Jan. 30. A private interment will be held at a later date. Visit www.badgerfuneral.com for more information.
