MILFORD — William L. Dyer, 76, a lifelong resident of Milford, died Aug. 1, 2010, at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, following a long illness.

He was born in Milford on April 5, 1934, the youngest son of the late Raymond A. and Florence (Snodgrass) Dyer.

Mr. Dyer graduated from Milford High School, class of 1952, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1956. He then joined his father and brother in the family business, Dyer Drug Inc. of Milford, Peterborough and New Ipswich.

He was a longtime member of the Milford Fire Department (Engine 2). He served as treasurer of the Firemen’s Relief Association, a member of the Keyes Trust, Milford Historical Society, Navy League and was a past commander of the Amoskeag Power Squadron. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of the Souhegan Nursing Association, Pillsbury Home and the Milford Hospital Association.

Mr. Dyer was a member of The First Congregational Church of Milford, UCC.

His love of big band music led him to host a weekly radio broadcast from Concord for many years. Remembered for his quick wit, spirit for his community and his dedication to preciseness and attention to details, he will be missed by many.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Joanne Elizabeth Dyer; his brother, Merton S. Dyer; a nephew, Thomas R. Dyer; and a great nephew, Michael S. Dyer.

Mr. Dyer is survived by his son, James W. Dyer of Milford; two granddaughters, Kristin Ann Dyer and Hayden Elizabeth Dyer; two nephews, Stephen Dyer of Peterborough and Kenneth Dyer of Boston, Mass.; and his former wife, Carolyn Dyer-White of Ormond Beach, Fla.

Visiting hours will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in the First Congregational Church of Milford, UCC, 10 Union St., Milford. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Milford.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his name be made to the Milford Firemen’s Relief Association, 39 School St., Milford 03055 or the Milford Historical Society, P.O. Box 609, Milford 03055.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.smith-heald.com.