William (Bill) S. Dawson, Jr., 72, of Fairfield, Maine, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born in Stoneham, MA, on February 17, 1953, to the late William S. Dawson, Sr. and Marjorie (Conrad) Dawson. He grew up in Saugus, MA, before his family moved to Troy, ME, during his childhood. Bill attended Mount View High School and returned to Massachusetts in 1971. He worked at L. B. Evans and the Maynard Moore Company prior to moving back to Maine in 1987 to raise his family. He was later employed at Maine X-Ray and retired from New Balance Shoe in Norridgewock after 25 years of dedicated service. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn (Kitty); his children, William III and Andrew (with wife Samantha), all of Fairfield; his grandchildren, Oliver and Sophia, of Fairfield; his brothers, Robert of Lyman and James of Acton; his cherished cat, Lola; and many loving relatives and friends. Bill had a lifelong passion for music and playing the drums, a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In his youth, he played for many years at the Moose Club in Newburyport, MA, as a member of Bob and the Bobcats, a country western light rock band. He enjoyed playing "Name That Band" and always had music playing in the background. Bill's favorite band was Steppenwolf, and he was rarely seen without his signature Steppenwolf jacket—he truly was "Born to be Wild." He was also an avid New England sports fan, with the Patriots being his favorite team. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a light luncheon at the Waterville Masonic Hall, 251 County Road, Waterville. A private service and interment will take place this summer in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Somerset Humane Society, 123 Middle Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.