Willis A. “Bud” Hoover Sr., 79, of North Bridgton passed away on Jan. 6, 2012 with his family at his side.

Bud was born on Nov. 5, 1932 to the late Arthur Hoover of Des Moines, Iowa and the late Dorothy (Dingman) Kimball of Bridgton.

He attended Bridgton Academy School and graduated in 1952. He married Myrtle (McLaughlin) Hoover of Bridgton in 1956.

Bud Served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959 onboard of the USS Fulton. He was an active reservist from 1959 to 1963. With his family growing rapidly, he left the Navy behind to be with his wife and children. He was employed by the Bridgton Knitting Mill, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Westbrook Housing Authority.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. His biggest love was his banjo and playing beautiful bluegrass music. He was most recently in the Peabody Pond Pickers Band. He volunteered playing his banjo and raising money for fire departments and local churches.

Bud will be greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Myrtle, of North Bridgton; daughters, Dawn of Newnan, Ga., Caroline of Waterford and Heather of Bridgton; son, Wayne of North Bridgton; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Willis A. Hoover Jr. of Otisfield.