William Metz Jr.

Westernport, MD

William Franklin Metz, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014 at his home with his wife of 61 years by his side. Born October 16, 1927, he was the son of William F. and Lillian V [Clayton] Metz who preceded him in death.

On December 14, 1952 he married Margaret Kathleen [Nies] Metz, who survives. A lifelong resident of Westernport, Bill is also survived by his five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Katherine A. Jenkins and her husband, Don [Buck], of Dayton, Ohio; Dr. George W. and his wife, Earlene [Griffith], of Summerville, SC; Mary Pat Riggleman and her husband, Bernie, of Westernport; Susan M. Broadwater and her husband, Bob, of Westernport; and, Barbara J. Riggins and her husband, Wade, of Mechanicsville, VA.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are: Nicole Bauer and her husband, Brandon, and their son, Aiden, of Dayton, OH; Megan Parker and her husband, Shaun, of Miamisburg, OH; Brad Riggleman of Westernport; Blake Riggleman and his wife, Jenelle, and son, Shiloh, of Midlothian, VA; Josh Broadwater and his wife, Amy, and two children, Cailyn and Ben, of Rawlings; Holly Broadwater of Myrtle Beach, SC; Zachary Riggins of Mechanicsville, VA; and, Taylor Riggins of Mechanicsville, VA.
Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Joann McConnell and Wilhemina [Willie] Mancuso. His five brothers and five sisters survive: Richard [Butch] and wife, Cindy, of San Diego, California; Marshall and wife, Emma, of Keyser, WV; Robert [Baldy] and wife, Betty, of Baltimore, MD; Paul and wife, Patty, of Westernport; James [Jimmy] and wife, Jerry, of Foss, OK; Sarah [Sally] Koch and husband, Bob ,of Port Richey, FL; Virginia [Jenny] Herman and husband, Bill, of New Port Richey, FL; Dorothy [Dot] of Patchogue, NY; Priscilla Metcalf and husband, Ron, of Piedmont, WV; Janice Mayhew and husband, Pat, of Hagerstown, MD. Uncle “Muckle” is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews spread throughout the US. The biannual Metz reunion was one of his favorite family events.

A veteran of WWII, Bill dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Puerto Rico. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill returned to the Tri-Towns where he reenrolled in high school and graduated from Bruce High School in 1949, with his then girlfriend, and future wife, Margaret. Bill remained active in the Bruce Alumni Association, attending many annual banquets.

Bill was an avid golfer, bowler, pool shooter and traveler. He was a member of the Mill Creek Golf Association. He participated in various bowling leagues in Keyser and the Westvaco Club in Luke. His travels took him throughout most of the United States and parts of Europe.

His long time association with Victory Post 155 American Legion is widely remembered for his various service roles as Post Commander, Executive Committee Member and his years of service as Military Guard to fellow veterans. Bill frequently attended state and national American Legion conventions. Bill also served as the Mountain District Baseball Commissioner for a number of years. He received a life-long membership into Post 155. He was an ongoing presence at the many functions sponsored by the Legion. He was also a member of the McCoole VFW.

In the 1950s and 1960s Bill participated in many musical performances, including regional minstrel shows and St. Peter’s Church annual Mardi Gras presentations and Snow Ball skits. Many will remember how Bill admired his favorite entertainer, Al Jolson. Bill’s ‘command’ performances always included the many tunes associated with Jolson. Bill was a member of the Blue Angels Drum and Bugle Corps and loved attending various competitions, including the March of Champions in Baltimore.

Bill was a retired employee of Westvaco after 44 years, most recently in the ‘power house’. Bill always carried his tool box and was quick to volunteer to help. Bill was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Bill will be remembered for ‘never meeting a stranger’. Wherever he went people recognized his sense of humor, his love of life, and his deep devotion to this family. He loved family cook outs, holidays, and just being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ‘Pop Pop’ was an influential part of their lives.

A gathering of family and friends will be at the Boal Funeral Home, Church Street, Westernport, on Friday, June 6, from 1-5 pm. A service to celebrate Bill’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday at 10 am in the Chapel at Boal’s. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Deacon Harold Bradley and Pastor Earl Williams will preside.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity, the Western Maryland Health Systems Hospice or the American Heart Association can be made. The family appreciated the support of Hospice, particularly Jeanne VanFleet and Marikay Welch, for their loving support and assistance. The family also appreciated the care from Datina (Suzie), from Comfort Keepers.

---