William Thompson Garland

William (Bill) Thompson Garland passed on September 27, 2024 surrounded by members of his devoted family and loving wife, Cathy, holding his hand until he died. Bill was born in the Pittsburgh PA area on September 26, 1932. The oldest of five, he is survived by one sister Sue Garland Greenblatt. He was raised in Edgewood, where he lived until he married his high school sweetheart beautiful Nancy Evans in 1955. He is survived by their three children Caryl (Bob) Siems, David (Kelli) Garland and Connie (Cabot) Wright. After the passing of Nancy in 1997, he met and married his current spouse, Catherine Oliver Garland. She has three children who he also loved dearly, Cyndi (Bobby) Peters, Carolyn Oliver and Buddy (Kathy) Oliver. All six children gifted him with 15 grandchildren: Billy, Josh, Laney, Eric, Brian, Susan, David, Julianna, Jessica, Tim, T.J, Jake, Jason, Bo and Rachel… and 19 great-grandchildren. 

After serving as a minister in the United Methodist Western Pennsylvania Conference, Bill requested a voluntary location. He moved his family to Owings Mills, MD where he began his career with the Social Security Administration. Over the years he would preach while filling-in for vacationing pastors at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in Owings Mills MD and Rockland UMC in Ellicott City MD.

Bill was a quiet man with a lot to say. He loved to teach and preach. He was a kind, gentle, loving man. He was ahead of his time with progressive beliefs, moral support, and like his mother, was a strong proponent of women’s rights. He proudly referred to himself as a feminist. 

Cathy states that Bill gifted her with love, respect, compassion, strength,, kindness and good sensible advice and guidance. 

He enjoyed a grand slice of lemon meringue pie, and lemon Oreos. Ask Elise Cole to testify to his penchant for spiced jelly beans. Not to forget when Bill would occasionally enjoy a well made White Russian, particularly if it was concocted by Caryl especially for him. 

That, in a pretty big nutshell is the Bill Garland we all knew and loved. His soul is happily with his Maker in heaven. His unique voice, his beautiful smile and his presence will be missed. However, happiness abounds for him because he is now pain free and strong again and in the light of God’s Glory. 

Memorial Funeral Details

November 16, 2024 Visitation: 10:30 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Methodist Funeral and Memorial Service at Our Lady of the Angels 711 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville. MD 21228 Charlestown Senior Living Campus

Reception and Celebration of Life to follow the service at Wilton Overlook, which is behind the chapel. 

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