William Paul Demoranville

William Paul DeMoranville of Lawrenceville, GA died suddenly at the age of 60 on Sunday morning, August 15, 2010, getting ready for church. Born September 26, 1949 in New Bedford, MA to Myron and Ethel DeMoranville, Bill had four sisters, Joan Edge, Patricia Gail Spence, Carolee Marston, and Kathleen Hawkins. Bill grew up on a beautiful farm where he loved animals, and especially horses and his dog, Lucky. Bill was active in 4H and enjoyed riding horses as well. He graduated from North Dartmouth High School in 1967 and attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA before serving in the US Navy from 1969-1973. Bill fell in love with Lee Yvonne Hodgson in February, 1973 and they were married two months later on April 21, 1973 in Asbury Park, NJ by her father, Brigadier Cecil Hodgson of the Salvation Army. They were blessed with two wonderful children, John Edward, and Renee Anne, both residing in Lawrenceville, GA. After the Navy, Bill managed a stained glass business in New Jersey and then attended school at Bloomfield College completing his degree in business. He then worked for the Salvation Army in New York City and Washington, DC as the Director of Planned Giving. Bill continued his profession in Planned Giving working for the Arthritis Foundation for over 20 years and was admired by many for his ability to raise funds for research and programs in arthritis which he, himself, suffered from. All through Bill's life he enjoyed and played the drums, first learning at The Salvation Army in New Bedford, MA and then advanced his playing by taking private lessons. Bill played in the world famous New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army for over ten years as their principal percussionist. He also played for several years in the Southern Territorial Band, as well as many Divisional Bands and Corps Bands, including the Lawrenceville Corps Band. To this day, there are many percussionists that can say, "Bill taught me to play." He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Bill will always be remembered for his quick wit and humorous band stories. He is also missed by his dog, Maggie Mae, who is looking for him now. A Service of Celebration for Bill will be held at The Salvation Army, 3455 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be given to The Salvation Army Lawrenceville Corps or the Arthritis Foundation. A special Percussion Scholarship will be established at The Salvation Army Star Lake Music Camp in memory of the many years where Bill taught students from all over the world. A special friend of ours in Scotland said that Bill was a "Gentle Giant," and he truly was, and is now making a joyful noise unto the Lord, in Heaven.