FAIRFIELD – William Stanley Tanner III (Bill Sr.), of Fairfield, died at his home, attempting to remove a downed tree from his driveway, on Dec. 18, 2023, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Tanner; his sons William Tanner IV, and Ryan Tanner, daughter Deanna Tanner, stepsons Roman, Chris, and Roy Cardenas; and 15 grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William II and Greta Tanner; and stepson, Gary Lee.

Bill was born on Nov. 25, 1946, in Mineola, NY, the only child of William and Greta. Bill attended St. Paul Academy in Long Island, NY, but he would spend his summers at a family camp in Oakland, Maine on Messalonskee Lake (Snow Pond). While Bill exceled as a carpenter and insurance salesman, his passion centered around substance abuse recovery and community health. As a result, Bill worked for years as a counselor at Health Reach in Waterville, Maine and eventually developed a counseling program at the Franklin County Jail. During this time, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Maine at Orono, a Master’s degree from Springfield College, and his PhD in psychology and community rehabilitation from Union Institute. As a result of his exposure to adults suffering from dual diagnosis issues and incarceration, Dr. Tanner created Community Correctional Alternatives; a mental health agency providing rehabilitation services to adults in their homes. And, since this all didn’t keep him busy enough, Dr. Tanner was also a professor at Kennebec Valley Community College. Dr. Tanner, known most humbly as Bill, worked until the day he passed serving his community as a case manager at the Waterville homeless shelter.

Bill was extremely outgoing, generous, and well-known in the community. His hobbies included golf, watching sports, and building additions onto his home. He appreciated good art and fine clothing. He passed on his love of education and pride in his work to his sons and grandkids. He was greatly loved, and will be terribly missed.

Please join us for a celebration of Bill’s life on Jan. 20 at the Best Western Hotel on Main St. Waterville from 2 – 5 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.