BAR HARBOR — William H. Benedict, Sr. passed away on April 27, 2012, at the Villages Medical Center in Florida.

Bill was born in Bar Harbor on Dec. 14, 1922, the son of Harry E. and Florence Mae Benedict.

After graduating from Bar Harbor High School, he enlisted and served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. Bill sold cars for 16 years and operated a home improvement business for a short time. In 1961 Bill was hired by the National Broadcasting Company as a film editor for the “Today” show in Washington, D.C.  He worked for the “Today” show and “NBC Nightly News” before retiring in 1987.

Bill retired to The Villages in Florida following the death of his first wife, Frances of 56 years. He also was predeceased by his second wife, of two-and-a-half years, Phyllis Sutherland.

Survivors include his sister, Barbara Gaunt of Andover, Mass.; son William Benedict, Jr. (Carol) of Sterling, Va.; daughters Patricia Beckstoffer of Hanover, Va. and Nancy Sensabaugh of Manakin Sabot, Va.; son Robert Benedict (Colleen) of Herndon, Va.; beloved friend Doris Hibbs of the Villages; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is set for May 12, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 3906 E. CR 466, P.O. Box 353, Oxford, FL 34484. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Bill’s name or the Oxford United Methodist Church.