UNION — Bradley Paul Williams, of Union, Maine succumbed to his long, brave battle with mortality at 5:15 a.m. on the first day of Spring, March 21, 2022.

Born on a military base at Cherry Point, North Carolina on June 11, 1956, he was the youngest son of Joan Hall and Linwood Williams and rounded out a rowdy bunch of brothers known as “The Four B’s”: Bob of Warren, Maine; Buzzy of Melbourne, Florida; and Bruce (deceased). The family moved to Joan’s family farmhouse in Union, Maine when Linwood returned to civilian life.

From a young age, Brad reveled in adrenaline, mischief and thrill seeking. The adventures he found in rural life set the backdrop for the stories he would regale his children with – exploits on dirt bikes and motorcycles, high-speed police pursuits, and benign criminality. Those stories would often end with him saying, “I didn’t think I would see thirty,” indeed it might have been a surprise he even made it out of his teenage years unscathed.

After graduating from Medomak Valley High School, Brad began his lifelong path in carpentry. Making his way through the ranks, he showed promise and skill as a hard-working delinquent among men who would become life-long friends. He eventually set out on his own, forming Affordable Creative Excellence (ACE) Carpentry and leaving an enduring impact on the Midcoast through the construction of many homes, office buildings, and apartment complexes. ACE Carpentry saw Brad through the MBNA building boom of the 80s and 90s and lean times too.

Brad’s “feel” for building and his impeccable standards for craft forged many trained understudies over the years – and alienated one or two. He could be a hard man to work for, but this belied the immensity of his kindness, pureness of heart, and intense loyalty to friends and family.

Brad was a lover of fun, a kid in a grown man’s body. Loud, outgoing, gregarious, and warm, his laughter would draw you in and could disarm even the most committed cynic. He was deeply sensitive, generous and hardworking. He lived nearly his entire life within a 10-mile radius and possessed a Maine Gazetteer-like knowledge of Knox County. He could tell you the fastest way to get to your destination, or the prettiest drive, or the one with the biggest “tickle bumps.” To Brad, the “top of the world” was the stunning view from Clary Hill and nearby Appleton Ridge.

He was a man of contradictions. At times, he loved fun too much, which led him into a rough patch in his life and a period of estrangement from those who cared deeply about him. He found his way out through the love and support of friends and family, especially that of his longtime partner Patricia Monroe (Union, Maine). Brad and Patty lived many happy years on Barrett Hill Road near his beloved Aunt Christine Savage. Brad and Patty spent summers with friends at Duck Puddle campground, gardening at home, and playing cribbage late into the evening. Patty’s strength and steady commitment propelled Brad forward on his difficult battle with leukemia and a near decade-long journey through failing health that would ensue.

Brad found great purpose and meaning as a father to his two sons, Bradley Jr. (Topsham, Maine) and Adam (Searsmont, Maine), and relied on the exploits of his children to open himself up to the world beyond Knox County. Brad’s first trip to San Francisco came when he and Brad Jr. visited Adam in college. Without a moment of hesitation, he began striking up conversation with strangers on the subway, true to his friendly and curious manner, oblivious to how rare that type of bravery was. Brad was proud of his children and their accomplishments, and he wanted to take an active part in their lives. He was just as available to help guide Brad Jr. through a kitchen remodel as he was to send Adam off on a cross-country bicycle adventure.

Brad was also deeply loved by Patty’s children: Sara Monroe (deceased), Matthew Poole, Tommy Monroe and in particular, Andrew Monroe, who Brad mentored and loved like his own son. Brad also reveled in being “Poppa” to his grandchildren Blake and Rowan Williams and to Patty’s grandchildren Effie, Hunter, Jack, Chase, Blake, Mckenna and Taya.

Brad is survived by a legacy of loyal friendship, craftmanship, and deep and enduring love for his family. A celebration of life will be held on May 14, 2022 with additional details to follow.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.