William R Vennell
October 1, 1950 ~ January 20, 2021
William "just Bill" Vennell 70, passed away on Jan. 20, 2021 from the ravages of Covid-19. He was born in Sanford on Oct. 1, 1950 to Everett R. and Geraldine Farrell Vennell.
He was educated in the Sanford school system and enlisted in the US Navy in 1969 as an electronics mechanic, servicing aircraft at various Naval Air Stations and aboard the USS America. It made him happy to treat his parents to a Greek vacation during a 1971 deployment to the Mediterranean.
He became a commercial painter after the completion of his military service and worked in this field until illness forced him to retire in 2015.
He enjoyed reading; collecting coins, friendships and pencil sharpeners. He was a Santa Claus and a Master Gardener sharing what he had, what he grew and what he gleaned with those who needed it. He enjoyed visits with his family in Arizona and the granddaughter he adored. And he enjoyed being "just Bill." He will be remembered and missed.
He is survived by his daughter Christina Trudgian, her husband Jeff and granddaughter Kayla of Gilbert, AZ; his twin brother Lawrence Vennell, his wife Barbara of Kennebunkport and his niece Sheila of PA; numerous aunts, cousins and a favored uncle Daniel Farrell.
A graveside service will be held at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a more appropriate time.
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i remember Billie come up to see us at our trailer and joking with john and myself, he used to tease me
“karen you married that guy john” billie always had a smile on his face and a story to tell us when he came up. We love you Billie and we will mis you
– karen merrifield
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Billy. We grew up in the same neighborhood, only a few houses apart. I remember playing football in the Farrell’s backyard. I hadn’t seen him since childhood until we met at my brother Jimmy’s funeral. We had a warm and wonderful conversation. He was a very good man. The very definition of a “nice guy”. I’m sure he made a GREAT Santa Claus. Rest in Peace, Billy!
– Doug Waterhouse
i remember Billie come up to see us at our trailer and joking with john and myself, he used to tease me”karen you married that guy john” billie always had a smile on his face and a story to tell us when he came up. We love you Billie and we will mis you
– karen merrifield
A guy who cherished people and all that makes this life. He will be an excellentaddition to the heavens!! Ah carrying his ladder to get the good ones at the top of the apple tree to share with his fellow people of Maine. Consistent and hardworking. I hope for solace to the family of Bill. Take good care during this time of loss. Toni Krouse
– Toni Krouse
Larry and family, We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. What a comical guy he was, and a perfectionist painter at that. He will be missed. Sincerely, Dick and Rachel Burbank
– Rachel AC Burbank
When Billy was little, he would hurry when he was beginning to walk. His grandfather Tillie Farrell called him Speedy Alka-Selzer. I remember babysitting him and his twin Larry when they were almost four. Their mother Gerry worked at Grants. I would put on their little harnesses and walked them uptown to Grants. Their mom was bending down with her arms out in one of the aisles when she saw them. I let the harnesses go so they could run to her. Billy headed for the mezzanine and Larry headed for the downstairs. Uad to hurry to catch. Lol. Good memory. Linda Farrell Britt, Aunt. Miss you kiddo!
– Linda Farrell Britt
A guy who cherished people and all that makes this life. He will be an excellent
addition to the heavens!! Ah carrying his ladder to get the good ones at the top of the apple tree to share with his fellow people of Maine. Consistent and hardworking. I hope for solace to the family of Bill. Take good care during this time of loss. Toni Krouse
– Toni Krouse