RIPLEY- George "Bill" French, 78, cherished and beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on October 14, 2023. Bill was born in Middletown CT, spent his early childhood in central Maine, relocated to Massachusetts as a young boy then to his retirement home in Ripley Maine in 2001. One of four children to Charles "Tiny" and Anna (Doucette) French. He graduated Concord-Carlisle High School in 1963 and the same year he joined US Marine Corp. He graduated from the University of Vietnam in 1966 and upon returning married his wife, Claudia and they had two children. Bill married his second wife Gayle in 2005 and they shared 25 years together dancing through life's ups and downs. The joining of two families brought much love and joy to Bill, especially time gathered "up the hill" at home in the cabin. Bill enjoyed spending time participating in his children and grandchildren's lives with sports, coaching, fishing, skiing, playing games, camping, canoeing, blue grass festivals, riding the tractor and just being goofy. He was known and loved for being one of their biggest supporters at games, concerts, military functions and important life events. They loved him dearly. Bill was an avid hiker – has hiked the Apalachin 100-mile wilderness trail, Borestone mountain, Mount Katahdin 3 times, and many other mountains and trails throughout New England and Colorado. He also walked the Boston Marathon route for the "Jimmy Fund Walk" twice. For many years he enjoyed working on his property cutting trees, mowing and puttering about and even more so after his retirement. Bill dedicated his life to serving Veterans, as a life member of the VFW and member of the Mass Vigil Society, he advocated and supported many of his fellow comrades and their families. Bill's annual visits to DC in remembrance of POW's was his way to bring recognition to those lost but not forgotten. Surviving Bill is his wife Gayle French (Funk), two children, Dan French and his wife Vicki of Eustis, FL, Terri Maher and her husband Joel of Casselberry FL, seven grandchildren, Cara Jenkins and husband Kelly, Jessica Drexelius and wife Samantha, Cody Williams, Danica Allen and husband Grayson, Tristan French and partner Erica, Haylee and Rylee Maher, two great-grandchildren Zane and Stevie; Aunt Grace French, sister-in-law Pam Rice, brother-in-law Glenn Funk and his wife Ruth and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Anna French, brothers Melvin, James and Maurice French, Uncle Bob French, father and mother in-law Florian and Geraldine Funk. Bill's visiting hours will be in the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 11:00 AM-12:00 noon. His Memorial Service will immediately follow in the Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 noon. Interment with Military honors will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Blue Star Ave at 1:00 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. His family respectfully request memorial donations be directed to the Maine Veterans' Home Augusta by visiting mainevets.org/locations/augusta-2/ or by calling 207-622-2454 Arrangements have been under the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting www.khrfuneralhomes.com