William Michael "Billy" McCarthy, 81, of Old Town, Maine, passed away peacefully, faithfully, and comfortably with a full heart on May 8, 2026, at the Veterans Home in Bangor, Maine. William's fight for his health was as courageous as it was dignified. He battled for many months, forgoing what he believed would be harmful treatment and instead focusing on quality of life so he could spend as much time as possible with those he cherished most. He often remembered his daily prayers, particularly the Prayer to St. Peregrine. William was born into a working-class family on January 24, 1945, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, to Michael William McCarthy (USAAC) and Jacqueline Elaine Tarr. Billy grew up in Old Town, Maine. He attended and graduated from John Baptist High School in Bangor, where he played basketball and ran cross country and track. Upon graduation, and in keeping with family tradition, Billy enlisted in the United States Air Force. His honorable discharge proved to be the prelude to a long military career. In the 1980s, he joined the United States Army Reserves. He rediscovered that the military lifestyle suited him well and continued to serve well beyond the age of a typical soldier. During the mid-2000s, he was placed on active duty during overseas conflicts and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, for nearly two years. After completing his required reserve call-up, 1st Sgt. William M. McCarthy retired and remained in Maine for the rest of his days. He served with honor and distinction throughout his military career. Billy was an avid outdoorsman whose love for the outdoors truly defined the term. His greatest moments were spent on the mountaintops of the Great Western United States, kayaking and fishing the rivers of Maine, running marathons into his 60s, and half-marathons beyond that. He played golf coast to coast — from TPC courses to municipal links and everything in between — often with his dear friends. In the colder months, he enjoyed watching sports on television, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and meeting "the boys" at Dunkin' Donuts for a smoke and a cup of coffee. He cherished hunting moose with his good friend Mike Francis. Although Billy had a penchant for solitude, many of his greatest stories came from adventures shared with friends and family — moments he treasured deeply. Later in life, he was the devoted sole caretaker for his mother, Jacqueline, who lived to the age of 100 before passing in early 2025. His son Christopher spent many years returning to Maine to spend time with his father, often bringing his own family so they could all be together. Billy was deeply grateful for the devoted care provided by his son Christopher, his cousin Deb, the in-home hospice nurses who visited daily, and everyone who came to see him during his final months. William is survived by his son, Christopher M. McCarthy (USN); his grandson, Colin M. McCarthy (USAF), and Colin's wife, Alex McCarthy; his granddaughters, Camden M. McCarthy and Reaghan R. McCarthy of Kansas; and many dear friends and extended family members who knew him simply as "Billy." He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael William McCarthy (USAAC) and Jacqueline Elaine Tarr, and his stepdaughter, Cary Goan. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Birmingham Funeral Home in Old Town, Maine. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Acadia National Cemetery in Jonesboro, Maine. Given the distance, there will not be a formal procession. God bless this man. Forever a patriot and a Christian Love of family, love of country, and love of the great outdoors. Goodbye, and God Bless America.