MR. AMERICAN LEGION WILLIAM L. "BILL" PARADIS, 80, of Mollybrook Drive in Stark died peacefully Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Week's Medical Center, Lancaster after a long illness. Born March 9, 1927 in Groveton, NH a son of Henry and Jeannette (Bean) Paradis, he lived his whole life in Groveton until moving to Stark in 2004. He attended Groveton High School until he enlisted into the United States Navy and served as a 3rd Class Machinist in the Seabees, while stationed in Okinowa. He was discharged June 17, 1945; came back to the Groveton area and worked for Groveton Paper Co. He began as a barker and worked up to the paper machines. In 1971 he was promoted to Superintendent of Paper Board. In 1981 he was promoted to Superintendent of Fines papers for James River. He retired in 1986 after 38 years of paper making. Bill started his own business as a local contractor when not working in the mill back in the 1960's. He started building his home in 1948 on top of Crow Hill. Bill married "Betty" Jean Hartford on December 10, 1949. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, snow machining, camping, cooking, gardening, building trinkets and playing cards, cribbage being number one. Bill was a life member of the American Legion, Post # 17; past commander; vice commander; adjutant, Sgt.-of-arms, finance officer; House committee chairman, blood donor chairman; was a faithful color guard member; Boy Scouts of America Chairman; Grand Chapeau of the 40 & 8. He was American Legion District 8 past commander; 1st vice commander and Sgt. Of arms. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 2339 3rd and 4th Degree. He was past Grand Knight. He was selectman for the Town of Northumberland for six years. Bill was one of the members whom broke ground and built the American Legion Post #17 in Groveton. From that time on he has been carpenter, filled in as bartender and filled many committee positions. He has been the major cook for most of the functions. Bill was parade marshal and co-coordinator for the town parades taking over in the late 1960's. He was one of the founders of the Groveton Christmas Party Committee. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years Elizabeth "Betty" Jean (Hartford) Paradis of Stark; daughter Joanne "Jodi" Paradis Shannon of Groveton; son Richard "Dick" Paradis and wife Holly of Groveton; four grandchildren Melissa Paradis and Lindsay Paradis and Ryan Shannon and Kevin Shannon; two sisters Irene Bigelow of Concord, NH and Connie Toussaint of Florida and his favorite pall Rocky. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother Robert Paradis in 2000. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2007 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. The Rosary and Military prayers will start at 7:15 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday June 18, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the St. Francis Xavier Church, Groveton, with Fr. Daniel Deveau, pastor officiating. Inurnment will be held with military honors on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Summer Street Cemetery in Lancaster. Memorial donation may be made in Bill's name to the Groveton Ambulance Corp.; C/O Sandra Mason; 7 Arlington Ave.; Groveton, NH 03582.