Obituary for Cortez William Willey Jr.
Major Cortez William “Bill” Willey, Jr USAF RET. 92, passed peacefully in his home listening to his jazz music on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Born in Boston, MA he spent the first ten years of his life in Milton Mills, NH, then moved to Dover, NH. He was a class of 1948 graduate of Dover High School, then graduated from UNH in 1953 with a BA in Botany and Forestry. He spent twenty years in the U.S. Air Force as a Supply Services Officer and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Viet Nam. Upon his military retirement he opened a rental business in Grandview, MO then sold out six years later and returned to Dover, NH. Upon his return to Dover he worked at the Clarostat Mfg Co and Cumberland Farms but the work he enjoyed the most was at McCrone’s Christmas Tree Farm.
Bill will be remembered for his love of music, dancing, the Red Sox, the Patriots, and playing (and teaching) bridge. He was also an avid collector of stamps, coins and baseball cards.
He was a life member of the Military Officers Assoc., American Legion Post #61, VFW post 7663, and Air Force Assoc. Portsmouth NH Chapter #386 National Sojourners. He was a member of Unity Lodge #62 F &AM for more than 70 years and was serving as treasurer up until he died. He was recently recognized for being a member of the First Parish Church for 76 years, Donations, if desired, can be given to the First Parish Church Memorial Fund at 218 Central Ave, Dover NH 03820 or from the church web page at firstparishdover.org using the "donate now" button.
Interment will be held with family and friends at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. To share a memory or photo, or leave a message of condolence, please www.purdyfuneralservice.com.
Bill will be remembered for his love of music, dancing, the Red Sox, the Patriots, and playing (and teaching) bridge. He was also an avid collector of stamps, coins and baseball cards.
He was a life member of the Military Officers Assoc., American Legion Post #61, VFW post 7663, and Air Force Assoc. Portsmouth NH Chapter #386 National Sojourners. He was a member of Unity Lodge #62 F &AM for more than 70 years and was serving as treasurer up until he died. He was recently recognized for being a member of the First Parish Church for 76 years, Donations, if desired, can be given to the First Parish Church Memorial Fund at 218 Central Ave, Dover NH 03820 or from the church web page at firstparishdover.org using the "donate now" button.
Interment will be held with family and friends at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. To share a memory or photo, or leave a message of condolence, please www.purdyfuneralservice.com.