William Donald Boyer

William Donald Boyer, 89, of Bowie, Maryland, died of a cerebrovascular accident on May 4, 2026, at home, surrounded by the loving care of his family.

William was born on June 18, 1936, in Danville, Pennsylvania. He was the only child of the late Donald and Mildred Boyer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Ann; his daughters, Kathy Shick and Mary Patricia.

He is survived by his daughter, Lynne Griffin; his grandchildren, Charles, Katherine, Matthew, Michael, Maryclaire, William, Thomas, and Taryne; and his great-grandchildren, Charles, Francis, Harper, Nicholas, Theodore, Penelope, Anne, and Elizabeth.

William attended Melrose Elementary School and Edison Middle School before graduating from John Harris High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1954. His teachers and classmates described him as good-natured, popular, and witty.

Following graduation, William enlisted in the United States Army. During his service, he spent one year stationed in Korea, where he served honorably. After completing his enlistment in 1957, he was discharged in Boston, Massachusetts. He often reflected on his time in the Army with great pride, believing it embodied the courage, integrity, and sense of duty that defined his life.

William married his childhood friend and the love of his life, Mary Ann, on February 1, 1957. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Trenton, New Jersey, where William attended Rider University. In 1959, he transferred to Shippensburg University, and in 1960, he and Mary Ann welcomed their daughter, Kathy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Business Accounting from Shippensburg University in 1961.

After graduation, William and his family moved to Emmitsburg, Pennsylvania, where he taught accounting at a local high school. Two years later, they moved to Bowie, Maryland, where William accepted a position with Nationwide Insurance Company in Annapolis, Maryland. They welcomed their daughter, Lynne, in 1964, completing their family.

While rising through the ranks at Nationwide Insurance Company and achieving considerable success, William was recruited by the National Security Agency (NSA). In 1968, he was assigned to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Goddard Space Flight Center, where he received the official Apollo 8 Flown Metal Appreciation Medallion for providing strategic financial oversight that contributed to the success of the Apollo 8 mission. This recognition led to his appointment with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in federal service.

After retiring as Deputy Director of Administration of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in 1995, William devoted his time to his family, traveling to Europe, sharing countless stories with loved ones, and imparting wisdom and guidance to his children and grandchildren. He was lovingly known as "Poppy" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored spending time with him. Whether taking walks along the bike path, watching rain storms from the porch, or enjoying peaceful evenings on the deck, William found joy in life's simple pleasures. William's generosity, humor, and joyful spirit made everyone feel immediately welcome and uplifted. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched.

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, we will celebrate William's full and abundantly generous life and his birth into eternal life with a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 1940 Mitchellville Road, Bowie, Maryland 20716, followed by a repast in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. If mailing a check, please include William's name. Donations may also be made online or by calling (800) 213-6584.