M aynard “Bill” Persons went into the arms of the Lord on Dec. 30, 2010, at his home in Queensbury, following a brief illness.
Bill was born on Jan. 27, 1917, in East Middlebury, Vt., the son of Clifford C. and Maisie E. Persons.
Bill attended a one-room schoolhouse in East Middlebury. He graduated high school as class valedictorian and attended Middlebury College with a full scholarship.
Bill began his working career at his family’s business, Foster-Persons Motors. During World War II Bill helped the war effort by working at Fellows Gear Shaper. In the 1950s and 1960s he owned a service station in Brandon, Vt., followed by a grocery in Fair Haven, Vt. He began a career with Nationwide Insurance/Real Estate in his home state. He held broker’s licenses in Vermont and New York state. His true professional passion was in real estate, a career he pursued for more than 50 years. In addition to raising a family and building a business, Bill was a member of the Cairo order of Shriners in Rutland, Vt.
Bill was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Besides his parents, Bill is predeceased by a brother-in law, Roger Dike, and daughter-in law, (Mrs. Timothy) Jini Persons.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores, of Queensbury; and sister, Beatrice Dike of Charlotte, Vt. He leaves behind his children, David and wife Brandy Persons, of Naples, Fla.; Dianne and husband Hollis Lamb of Port Charlotte, Fla.; Maynard F. Erwin and his wife, Marcia, of Charlotte, N.C.; Peter Persons and wife Jeanie of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Timothy Persons and wife Yvonne of Norfolk, Va.; Eric Persons and wife Charlotte of Dunnellon, Fla.; daughter Michele Persons and husband Kurt Koskinen of Queensbury; Thomas Persons and wife Amy of Queensbury; 20 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Bill will be remembered as a man of integrity, who honored his God and family above all else. Although his personal accomplishments were many, Bill considered his family to be more important than any other. He will be missed for his good humor, kind and generous heart, and for ending a conversation with, “May the good Lord taking a liking to you….but not too soon.”
Bill’s family extends an expression of gratitude to his granddaughter Nicole and her husband Jeremy for their help and support during his final weeks at home.
Viewing hours were held at Radloff Funeral Home, 136 Warren St., Glens Falls, on Sunday, Jan. 2. A celebration of Bill’s life, and Mason service, followed. Interment was held at Green Mount Cemetery in Whitehall on Monday, Jan. 3.
Memorial donations made be made in Bill’s name to High Peaks Hospice (www.highpeakshospice.com) or 1-800-730-9477.
