Meredith William Raymond

Affectionately known as Billy, he was born December 7, 1932 in Sharon, Vermont to Percy and Delia Raymond. Raised at a time when life was very simple, he grew up on a farm in his early life in Vermont and later in New Hampshire on land that is now part of Dartmouth College. Six children, Junie, Winse, Bev, Nat, Lloyd, and Rita welcomed Billy into the world and younger siblings Teddie (Red), Ronnie, Sandie and Colleen rounded out the clan of eleven. Although there was never a lack of siblings to pal around with and get into a bit of mischief, much work was needed in raising a large family. The boys primarily worked outside with Dad caring for the numerous farm chores and the girls inside helping mom. Delia cooked the family’s meals on an old cook stove and wood was always needed to keep the stove continuously running. One of the children’s dreaded chores was cutting wood for the stove as it took three of them…one to hold the logs and two to operate the crosscut saw. Family meals around their large marble table were a time for sharing stories of the day until the chaos of noise reached a level that Percy ordered them to eat in silence to regain some peace and quiet. Running around the farm, riding Rosie their cow, sledding down their big hills on their Travers provided some fun and a break from everyday work and a few other escapades that Percy and Delia didn’t particularly know about but the amusing stories are still shared at family reunions to this day.

In 1952, Bill married Beverly Manley and were blessed with three children, Mary, Susan and Danny. Following his older sister, he moved his family to Massachusetts and worked “jack of all trades” jobs to support his family. Life with their dad and mom was full of spontaneous adventure. One memory was Dad piling the family in their VW bus and heading for Cape Cod. “Dad’s barometer and directions were a little off” as they traveled eleven hours through a blinding blizzard. Their love of bluegrass music, with Bev playing her guitar and Bill plucking the strings of his stand-up base entertained many at gatherings and singalongs around campfires. In 1970 they became Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed a purposeful life full of good friends and opportunities for helping others gain a positive outlook for the future. Traveling frequently to remote areas of North Dakota and many other destinations in their camper and on their motorcycle provided adventure, fun and helping others along the way. Bill could always be found on Kingdom Hall building sites or in areas of disaster relief to assist those in need. They loved spending their time with their grandchildren taking them swimming, skiing and other activities. They were grandparents to Danielle, Michael and Nathan; great grandparents to Zach, Chelsea, Madie, Maddox, Shelby and Avery and great great grandparents to Gracelynn and Lucas. In time, he retired from Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut and he and Bev moved back to Vermont. In 2005, she lost her battle with cancer and Bill moved to Florida to start a new life.

After a few years he met Annie Grant and fell in love with the Vermont native. Bill and Annie married October 4, 2008 and spent their summers in Barre, Vermont and wintered as snowbirds in Deland, Florida. They shared a love for music and would often travel to music festivals and enjoyed going to fairs throughout New England with family and friends. They welcomed company on their vacations and many family members loved joining them in their fun. A game of competitive Mexican Train late into the night marked memorable occasions. Annie enjoyed spending time with Bill’s children and grandchildren and Bill the same with Annie’s girls, Lisa, Laurie, Deborah and Susan and her grandchildren, Mike, Dan, Catherine and little Ava who adored Bill. Swinging on their porch swing or sitting around the bonfire provided many fun memories. Gardening kept them busy and their dueling John Deere (the family brand of tractors) mowers expediated their work and Bill was often found on his backhoe, digging, building ponds and moving rocks. They were frequently out in their Christian ministry spreading Bible hope to their neighbors. So many were touched by their love, hospitality and generosity.

So loved by many, Bill will be long remembered for his genuine love for helping family, friends and neighbors and his ability to fix just about anything. Many would say that “he was the best neighbor anyone could have”. And much laughter has been heard as Bill’s gift of storytelling (“story stretching”) left any kids wide eyed with amazement. He will be greatly missed. For now, he is in the best place he can be – in God’s memory. We all long for the day when we will be united with him again! (Job 14:13-15)

A memorial and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 9 ^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 2070 Airport Road in Barre, Vermont.

Bill’s bible educational work as well as building houses of worship and rebuilding homes for victims of natural disasters was very near and dear to his heart. If you would like to donate funds to further this work, please do so at donate.jw.org under worldwide work.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre assisted the Raymond family.