William C. Wiltbank ¹

William C. Wiltbank
February 13, 1924 - November 15, 2013
William Charles 'Billy' Wiltbank passed away from this life on Friday, November 15, 2013. He was born in Earleville, Cecil County, MD on February 13, 1924. His parents were William Edward Wiltbank and Mary Elizabeth Tims Wiltbank who predeceased him. Also predeceasing him were his brothers, Rudolph Edward Wiltbank and Franklin Thomas 'Hank' Wiltbank and his sister, Marjorie Ann Wiltbank Larsen. He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Martha Yost Wiltbank and his children, Teresa 'Terri' Wiltbank Bostic, Toni Wiltbank Witzemann, Timothy Yost Wiltbank, William Ted Wiltbank and Thomas Albert Wiltbank. He is also survived by 3 siblings, Joseph Samuel Wiltbank, Richard Tims Wiltbank and Gloria Wiltbank Clayton and six grandchildren: Raymond Henry Gill, Sr., Silas Wiltbank Witzemann, Abigail Grace Witzemann, William Tyler Wiltbank, Amanda Wiltbank Milash, and Brian Thomas Wiltbank. He had 2 great grandchildren: Raymond Henry Gill, Jr. and Ian Jeffrey Wiltbank. In recent years, Billy, had a dedicated caregiver, Ernestine Graves, whom he affectionately called 'Lucille'. Billy's family is grateful for the care that she gave him.

Billy attended Locust Grove Elementary School, Galena Elementary School, Galena High School and Chestertown High School from which he graduated in 1942. While he was in high school and afterwards Billy was known as an excellent swing dancer. During lunch hour at Chestertown High School, he went daily to Gill Brothers on Cross Street where he danced the lunch hour away. He was such a good swing dancer that other high school and elementary school students made a point to come see him dance. Besides dancing at Gill Brothers, he attended dances all around the county. Including in Betterton, at Bennett's and at the Ranch in Chestertown, in Golts and in other places around the county where there were dance floors. After graduating from high school and before entering the service, Billy attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Illinois.

In childhood and young adulthood Billy formed strong bonds with his Wiltbank and Tims uncles, aunts and cousins. His grandparents on both the Wiltbank and Tims sides regularly hosted family dinners which included all cousins. These friendships and relationships survived over the years and created a circle of relationships that were a great joy and support for Billy in his life and until his death.

Billy was a World War II veteran. He served in Battery A 504th Gun Battalion in Hawaii, Leyte, Philippines and Okinawa as a radar operator form 1943 until 1946. He entered the service with his friend, Bud Nicholson. They left on the train from Chestertown in 1943 and served together throughout the war. During the war Billy received a good conduct medal, and Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon with One Bronze Arrowhead, a Philippine Liberation Theater Service Ribbon, a World War II Victory Ribbon and an American Theater Service Ribbon. He took great joy in maintaining lifelong friendships with his fellow 504th Gun Battalion "army buddies".
After WWII, Billy farmed with his father and brothers on Goose Hill Farm, a dairy farm near Chestertown, Maryland. He successfully farmed until his retirement in 1986. He continued to live on his farm until his death.

In his younger years, Billy was an avid bowler and an active member of the Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post 36. He was an excellent card player all of his life and he had many happy times over the years playing cards with family members and friends.

During his life, Billy was a dedicated husband, son, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin and uncle. He welcomed all family members and friends to his farm and always saw that each and every one had a good time while visiting. Until the moment of his death, he had a great sense of humor and a keen interest in politics, entertainment and sports. He was known as an honest, hardworking and responsible citizen. He was generous to all. Billy led a noble and exemplary life and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, November 20 from 10 am to 11:30 am at the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St. Galena, MD. Followed by a graveside service at 12:30 pm in Chester Cemetery, Chestertown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Kent & Queen Anne's Rescue Squad, 140 Morgnec Rd. Chestertown, MD. 21620

William married Martha Yost in 1947. (Martha Yost died after Nov 2013 ¹.)