RIP Big Bill.  You always seemed to have a smile on your face.  You will be missed

Big Bill was a Humble fun lovingʻ Giant that was Great at everything.Shadowlawn Forever!

He always love to go fishing out in the boat. Or  standing on the jetty. He was funny. A hard-working Carpenter very skilled. I love him and I will miss him ❤️ Alison/ widower 

Always the biggest burliest man in the room! With arms that could wrap around you twice almost! Always smiled with the silliest of laughs. Never missed a chance to fish early in the morning. I will remember all the good times. Though we were cousins, we were more like siblings through the years & I will always love the man I remember. Be at peace now my family, be at peace! 

There's Billy at 6am,  in his 14 foot jon boat, a 40 hp tiller motor,  (two) six packs of beer, with cigarette in his mouth and a huge grin.

I stood there,  (his future brother-in-law) at the edge of Pop's bulkhead and asked him where we're going to fish... he said,  "just outside Rudee Inlet" and I said "cool".

We had following seas and calm winds as we headed out into the Atlantic .  After 40 minutes of travel, when I could not see land anymore, I dared asked the big man as to where the hell we were headed!!  And he said " to the Chesapeake Light Tower"! 

We somehow got there. We fished for Spadefish and some trout.  It was awesome seeing us  amongst big, expensive, sea worthy boats, and catching more fish than them.

-That's a testament to Billy's fishing abilities. 

Heading home, we ran into rough seas and north-northeast winds.  I thought our little jon boat was  listing more than plowing straight!  He asked me through laughter if I was ok (he didn't seem bothered). I simply reminded him that I'm from the islands and fishing is in my blood! (As I side-eyed the life preserver)

-That's a testament to Billy's ability to understand the seas and make you feel at ease.

Next thing I know, our bilge pump failed and he told me to take over the tiller as he held the contact  wires together!

-That's a testament to Billy's fearlessness and can do attitude. 

He got us home safely and as we sputtered into the inlet, there was my future wife Wanda, his only Sister with the most worried look on her face .

Billy turned to me, still laughing and said " Whoo, she gonna kill me!!"

-That's a testament to Billy's wicked sense of humor... 

We became fishing partners since.

Fair winds and following seas my brother... you will be missed🎏

My Big brother,Billy.He was one of a kind.He also had a passion for baseball.When he was up to bat everyone knew it would be a home runner hit and the ball would go flying over the fence and into the lot.His team on base and he would casually walk to home.They saved him to hit last because he was the best.He taught me to drive a stick shift car with such calm patience and humor.I would stall out in a busy intersection and he would say "woo Wanda,you might want to go now."He tried to teach me to shoot pool,but most of the time I just had a soda and watched him play.I was not a fond person of fishing but will cherish the days of catching sun watching him catch his fish.And here fishy fishy is his fish call.The best gift he left me was his beautiful daughters Toni,Tina,and Paige.He was able to make anyone belly laugh.Sydney's Uncle Billy made her belly laugh with his funny "Woo!"Miss ya Big Brother.