WESTBROOK — William F. Manning Sr., 88, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 23, 1923, in Portland, the son of the late Leonard C. and Elsie (Boynton) Manning. He graduated from Buxton High School in 1941. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 306th squadron of the Army Air Corp. in World War II and then served in the Army National Guard for many years.

He was employed at the S.D. Warren paper mill in Westbrook for 35 years until his retirement.

He was a member of American Legion Post 197 and a Mason.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Norma (Berry) Manning of Westbrook; his sons, Ronald Manning Sr. of Corbin, Ky., Jay Manning of Ocala, Fla. and William Manning Jr. of Buxton; daughters, Blanche Jordan of Casco, Nancy Graves of Windham and Lynnette Manning of Westbrook; five grandsons; eight great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert Manning and Leonard Manning.

He was predeceased by an infant son, Guy Manning; and a brother, Eugene Manning.

Visiting hours were held at Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, South Windham, on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Stroudwater Street, in Westbrook.

For online condolences please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718 or at www.Cancer.org