Remembering William Howard Mangum Jr.: A Life of Service and Passion

William Howard Mangum Jr., known affectionately as Bill, passed away at his home in Harpswell, Maine, on November 28, 2025. Born on September 23, 1944, in Wake Forest, North Carolina, he was the son of William Howard Mangum and Elsie Wiggins Mangum. Bill is remembered by his family, including his wife of 58 years, Paige (Bishop) Mangum, their two sons, William Gordon Mangum II and Thomas Oliver Case Mangum, and two grandsons, John Everett and Charles Henry.

Education and Military Service

Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest University in 1966. He then entered the Naval Aviator Training Program in Pensacola, Florida. His military career included a pivotal role at the Brunswick Naval Air Station, where he served with VP-21.

After his military service, Bill returned to Brunswick to establish a tax and financial consulting business, which evolved into Mangum and Associates. Over a span of 40 years, he dedicated himself to helping a diverse clientele achieve their financial aspirations, forging many lifelong friendships along the way.

A Passion for the Outdoors and Community Involvement

Bill’s love for the outdoors flourished through his introduction to upland bird hunting and fly fishing, courtesy of one of his first clients, George Soule. This passion led him to northern Maine, where he cherished annual trips to his camp in the woods every October.

In 2005, Bill played an essential role in local efforts to purchase and preserve the Holbrook Wharf, a mixed-use working waterfront property in Cundy’s Harbor. His commitment to the community was further underscored by his role as a founding member and the first president of the Holbrook Community Foundation, serving from 2006 to 2010.

Bill spent summers fishing and cruising along the Maine coast aboard the family’s boat, SELAH. These trips allowed him to connect with local residents, learn about their lifestyles, and hear their stories.

A lifelong learner, Bill dedicated his later years to restoring antique cedar strip and canvas-covered canoes. He sought knowledge from various resources, including how-to books and visits to a renowned canoe builder. His efforts resulted in a remarkable collection of restored canoes from brands such as Old Town, E.M. White, and Carlton.

As a final message to his loved ones, Bill left a poignant note inspired by the words of Henry Scott Holland: “Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word it always was.”

A memorial service for Bill is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 7, 2026, at First Parish Church in Brunswick, followed by a reception. Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences at http://www.brackettfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the Holbrook Community Foundation at 984 Cundy’s Harbor Road, Harpswell, ME 04079.