William Ray Casey

William Ray (Bill, Billy) Casey
71 years old
Resided in Joppa, MD with wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren
Born April 28, 1949
Passed Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, MD
The cause of death was COVID-19

William Casey is survived by his wife of 48 years, Brenda Casey (66); His eldest son, Benjamin Casey (46); and his youngest son, Timothy Casey (43). He is survived by his grandchildren, his pride and joy: Trent Casey, Dylan Casey, and Colt Casey.

William was born in Virginia to Annie Rachel Coleman and Charles Norman Casey. After a divorce, Robert Kraft became Bill’s stepfather at the age of 15. Robert (Bob) Kraft was a strong influence and was loved as a father to William, and a Grandfather to his sons Benjamin and Timothy.

He is additionally survived by two sisters, Wanda and Dolores, and half-brother, Chuck.
Born amongst family in Lynchburg, VA, his childhood home was in Essex, MD. His fondest memories were of spending his Summers with family in Virginia, especially his Grandparents Love and Ruby Coleman.

Bill joined the army from 1966-1969, where he served much of his time in Korea. His stories from his time in Korea have become lore for his wife and children, whose delight at hearing the tales were matched only by his delight in telling them.

After leaving the Army, Bill lived in Texas with his father and half-brother chuck, who called him “Big Bill.” His time in Texas was challenging, but his memories are fond. He struggled to make ends meet in Texas, working at one point digging graves by hand. Looking for a new start, Bill moved back to Maryland in 1970.

After moving back, he met the love of his life, Brenda Casey, at church. The two fell hopelessly in love and were married February 25, 1972 at Mars Hill Baptist Church. In 1974 they had their first child together, Benjamin Casey. In 1977, they were blessed with their second and final child, Timothy Casey.

Bill always spoke fondly of his time working as an Extra for Canton Railroad as a young man. He also worked for Water Equipment Company and then C.J. Langenfelder & Sons for 9.5 years. His final professional position was a Production Manager at Reeser’s Fine Foods, where he retired on disability.
He spent the remainder of his years focused on loving his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Bill and his wife, Brenda, bought a modest home in Essex, MD to raise their two sons, Benjamin and Timothy. Ever moving forward, in 1985 they purchased a home in Abingdon, MD, where Bill had a fulfilling life with his wife and children. One of his greatest joys was tending the large garden on his property in Abingdon. In recent years, Bill and his wife moved in with his second son, Timothy, to a waterfront home on Rumsey Island in Joppa, MD where Bill spent most of his time doting on his grandchildren.

For recreation, Bill enjoyed the outdoor sports of hunting and fishing, and he loved working with his hands. He also enjoyed grilling, conversation, laughter, and time spent with his family.

Bill found happiness in the smaller things in life. Fishing or sitting around talking with loved ones was more interesting to him than a fancy dinner out. He loved to make people laugh and would talk and joke even with strangers at the store.

William Casey achieved many things in his life, but if asked, he would have told you his greatest achievement was his family. He was a modest man who never viewed his accomplishments from a personal standpoint. He looked at his accomplishments based on the way they affected those around him and he loved unconditionally. In recent years, when he wasn’t able to go out to social gatherings often, his biggest concern was that everyone knew how much he loved them.

Bill had a great sense of humor and was the life of the party. In his later years, with declining health, he kept his sense of humor, though not his ability to tell great jokes. The joy of telling a joke, however, was still evident by the joy in his eyes and the boyish grin on his face. When he told jokes, whether they hit or missed, they were always told with the spirit of making someone smile. His laughter and light will be missed.

There will be a viewing on January 16, 2021 at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Bennett Road in Essex, MD 21221 from 1pm – 3pm. A short service will be held at 3pm. There is a Zoom link on the website for those unable to attend. There will be no graveside service as Bill will be cremated.


A child said What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands;
How could I answer the child? I do not know what it is any
more than he…

And now it seems to me the beautiful uncut hair of graves…

What do you think has become of the young and old men?
And what do you think has become of the women and children?

They are alive and well somewhere,
The smallest sprout shows there is really no death,
And if ever there was it led forward life, and does not wait at the
end to arrest it,
And ceas'd the moment life appear'd.

All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses,
And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.

-Walt Whitman