Bill Earl's Obituary
Bill Earl, age 96, a retired music teacher of Gaithersburg and Rockville High Schools in Montgomery County, MD (retired 1977) and long-time resident of Sussex County, DE, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2017 at his home in Rehoboth Beach, DE. He was born in New Castle, PA on July 20, 1921, son of the late Ray R. Earl and Margaret Riney Earl.
Mr. Earl was a graduate of Westminster College, in New Wilmington, PA and Columbia University in NYC. During WWII he served in the United States Army Air Corps as a Chaplain's Assistant.
Through-out his life-time, Mr. Earl was a leader of dance bands and combos. He entertained on Ocean-Liners for four summers and appeared before many service organizations, nursing homes and senior centers. He founded and directed The Lewes Men's Community Chorus for many years. He was also an organist for numerous churches in PA and DE.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Earl is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Earl. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Haide Earl; his daughters: Heide Smith (Jim) of Union Bridge, MD and Lori Bryan (Barry) of Gaithersburg, MD and their families; his three grandchildren: Jennifer Morrison (Ricky), Heather Garst and Daniel Bryan; his five great-grandchildren: Sophia, Emma, Isabelle, Richard and Connor; his sister, Elizabeth Catterson of New Wilmington, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews in the US and Germany.
The family would like to give special thanks to his care givers Donna, Lavinia and Lynn for taking such great care of him.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th Street, Lewes, DE 19958 where friends may call beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow services at Bethel United Methodist Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 N Poplar Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Please sign Mr. Earl's online guestbook located on this site.
Florist Note- Please deliver any floral tributes to the Lewes funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 by 3 PM.
What’s your fondest memory of Bill?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bill?
Share a story where Bill's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bill you’ll never forget.
How did Bill make you smile?
