William L. “Bill” Johnson

HIRAM – William L. “Bill” Johnson, 93, of Hiram, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2026. Born in Portland on August 24, 1932, to Leighton and Mildred (Blake) Johnson, Bill was very proud of his roots in Stroudwater and South Portland.

In 1949, his family bought Apple Acres Farm in South Hiram, and Bill attended Fryeburg Academy, graduating in 1950. He then went on to the University of Maine in Orono where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Pennell of Westbrook. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Ski Team at the University of Maine.

After college, Bill was drafted into the Navy where he travelled the world on the USS Samuel B. Roberts. When he returned from his service, he began his career in the pulp and paper industry at SD Warren Paper Company in Westbrook. In 1968, he and his family moved to Groveton, NH, where he worked at Groveton Paper Company and later as the UNH School of Continuing Studies Coordinator. In 1979, Bill and his family moved to Apple Acres Farm where he began his life as a farmer, taking over from his father Leighton.

Bill rarely missed a chance to go skiing, fishing, or golfing with his many friends. He was very proud of the fact that he skied until he was 89. A highlight of his year was the annual fishing trip with friends and family to Lake Parmachenee, which he enjoyed for over 50 years. He was an avid sports fan and followed all of the New England teams, college and professional.

Above all, Bill was a family man who cherished every minute spent with his family. There was nothing he liked better than a rousing game of Fantan during holiday get- togethers.

Bill was a trustee of the Hiram Historical Society where he and Marilyn were recently awarded the Hubert Clemons Award for their service to the town of Hiram. He had been a selectman for the Town of Hiram and was an active member of Riverside Methodist Church. He loved music and to sing and was a member of the Sacopee Singers.

He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Chandler Johnson and Beverly Nason.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marilyn; his children Lucinda Nugent and husband John, William Jr. and wife Molly, Johanna Corman and partner Greg Miller, Thomas Johnson and wife Rhonda; and beloved family members Carol Johnson and Steven Corman. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Riverside Methodist Church in Porter, Maine, on Feb. 21 at 11 a.m.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, http://www.mainefuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Riverside Methodist Church in Porter, Maine