William G. Randall

HIRAM – William G. Randall, 75, passed away in Portland on Nov. 14, 2022. Born in Portland on Nov. 19, 1946, William was the son of Charles B. Randall and Henrietta “Pat” (Kelly) Randall.

After graduating from South Portland High School, he attended Southern Maine Vocational Institute for a year, then joined the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Kingsley Field in Oregon, then volunteered for service in Viet Nam. He spent a year at Da Nang Air Base around F-4 Phantom jets, also volunteering for many off base hot-spot duties, such as having to get to Monkey Mountain and Marble Mountain.

After surviving his tour in Da Nang, William enjoyed some R & R in Sydney, Australia which he found simply awesome. Back stateside he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in the Strategic Air Command with B-52 bombers and KC 135 air refueling planes. He was very proud of his service to his country during this time and was very sensitive to the insults veterans received upon returning home after their service, especially the term “baby killer”.

William served as a tour guide for the Military Museum in South Portland. He enjoyed meeting all of the surviving P.O.W.s from the Viet Nam war, saluting some as they taxied down the runway on their way to Hanoi.

In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his sister and brother, Joan Mattingly and Robert Mattingly; as well as several special aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his daughter, Sonja Randall, son, Ryan Randall; and one grandson, Preston Randall.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 12 p.m. at Forest City Cemetery, South Portland.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com