William Oscar Hawley, Sr.

Reverend William Oscar Hawley, Sr., 81 years, passed away on October 5, 2023, at his son’s home in Elkton, after being in hospice care for over two months. Born on May 2, 1942, in Havre de Grace, MD, he was the son of the late David O. Hawley and the late Jane N. (Patterson) Hawley.

Pastor Hawley was a member of the Mercy Baptist Church of North East, MD, and is survived by his son, William O. Hawley, Jr., and wife, Erika; his daughter, Patricia L. Sexton and husband, Paul; three grandchildren, Trevor P. Sexton, William O. Hawley, III, and Brynn A. Hawley; and one great-grandson, James A. Reeves, IV (JJ).  He is also survived by one sister, Linda Willis.

Pastor Hawley graduated from Perryville High School in 1960, after which he joined the United States Air Force. On June 13, 1964, he married the love of his life, Jeanie. The newlyweds made their home in Elkton, MD, where Bill served in the Elkton Police Department. Not long after their daughter's birth, they made their way back to Perryville, where Bill was the first Chief of Police in Perryville, having been the department's founder. Shortly before their son’s birth, Bill started his career in the Federal government in the police department at the VA Medical Center, Perry Point, MD. During that time, he built his home, where they remained until their last days. Being an avid learner and self-taught in many areas, Bill developed and implemented a software program during his tenure as Chief of Police at Perry Point which led to a complete career change when he became the Chief of Information Resource Management until his retirement. Having the philosophy that it is never too late to accomplish one’s goals, he earned his master's degree in theology in 2002 at the age of 60. He became a licensed and ordained minister in 1986. He had pastored two churches before retiring and returning to his true calling of evangelism, filling pulpits all over the area when pastors were on vacation, ill, needed a speaker for a special occasion, or when a church was without a pastor. He was a member of the Eastern Shore Preachers’ Fellowship and he and his wife enjoyed traveling to its meetings. Bill and Jeanie spent all their time together and particularly enjoyed sitting on their deck listening to music from their teenage days. They built an incredible life together, raising their children and spoiling their grandchildren. Their love for their family was immeasurable and their family loved them equally. Bill and Jeanie were married for nearly 58 years before Jeanie preceded him in death in January of 2022.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by one sister, Sharon Schatz.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, October 12, 2023, 12 Noon, at the Mercy Baptist Church of 2403 Theodore Road, North East, MD.  Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, 10 AM until 12 Noon, at the church prior to the funeral service.  Pastor Stephen Nissley of the Mercy Baptist Church will officiate.  Dr. Robert Hitchens of the Maranatha Baptist Church of Elkton, MD, and Pastor Jason McNeese of Emmorton Baptist Church of Bel Air, MD will be assisting.  Interment will be in Principio Cemetery, Perryville, MD.