William A. Bethel

William Arthur Bethel (Bill), age 84, went home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

William is survived by his son William M. Bethel (Shirley) of Ijamsville, MD; his daughter Bronica Nice (John) of Davidsonville, MD; and his daughter Tammy Taft (Gary), of Mechanicsville, MD. He was a proud grandfather to 6 amazing grandchildren; Michael (Marissa), Candice, Courtney, Krysta (Ty), Abigail, Daniel, and his 3 beautiful great-granddaughters; Blakeleigh, Westyn, and Maysen. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy A. Reed, many nieces, nephews, friends and love ones.

Bill is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary L. Bethel. They were married on June 27, 1964. They raised their 3 children in Lanham, MD where they lived for 30 years. They then moved to Adamstown, MD where they were members of South End Baptist Church where they were both very active and enjoyed spending time with their church family.

He was born on June 7, 1942 in Washington, D.C. to his parents, Thomas C. and Mildred E. (Burnette) Bethel, who both preceded him in death, along with his brother Thomas (Buddy) Bethel, his sisters Mary Jane Poole, Mildred Virginia Murray, and Margaret Webb.

Bill was an electrician until he accepted a position with the Federal Government as an elevator mechanic. He worked for the Architect of the Capitol for many years followed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where he eventually retired from in 1997.

Bill valued family more anything else. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He and Mary helped to raise their niece Koreen when she lost her mother at a young age. He helped to care for his mother-in-law when she moved in with them and always opened his home to friends and family. He and Mary hosted many Bethel family reunions at their home over the years and there was always room at the table for more. When asked what he wanted to do, his response was always, “be with family”. He loved the beach, swimming in the ocean with his kids and grandkids, relaxing in the sun and golfing with friends. He will be missed everyday but will be forever in our hearts.

Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 11:00am at Beall Funeral Home and will be officiated by Rev. Mike Cooper of South End Baptist Church. (6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715)

Burial will be on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, immediately following the funeral service. Cedar Hill Cemetery (4111 Pennsylvania Ave., Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746)

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Beall Funeral Home. (6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715)