William R. Sullivan

William R. Sullivan, affectionately known to friends and family as Bill, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024 at his home in Keedysville. He was born on January 18, 1933, in Washington, DC to the late Andrew O. and Frances Rogers Sullivan.

Bill's academic journey began in earnest when returned from the Korean War in 1951 using the GI bill to attend and graduate from Shippensburg University. He later earned his Master of Education degree. His career was marked by a commitment to teaching within Pennsylvania school systems and later extending his expertise to correctional education with the Maryland Correctional Services.

After retirement from education Bill and his beloved wife, Jane Tomlinson Sullivan, whom he married on May 25, 1985, in Shepherdstown, WV. established a wholesale greenhouse business that exemplified their shared passion for nurturing growth and cultivating beauty in nature. They spent six months “playing in dirt” and six months fishing the Delaware Bay out of Lewes. The best way to simi-retire.

Bill was a man of varied interests and talents. He was an avid outdoorsman who relished the time spent fishing. He also had a deep-seated enthusiasm for model railroad trains, his Washington Football team, bee-keeping, and gardening-activities that brought him joy and satisfaction. 

He will especially be missed by our wonderful and loving ex-daughter-in-law, Lori Sullivan. Her continued and unwaving love for us the past 40 years has allowed us to stay in our home for the extra years. She is the daughter we both dreamed of having. He also treasured his friendships, including a special bond with his friend Bill Wilson, which endured for 45 years. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; sons, David Sullivan and wife, Cathy, of Greencastle, PA, Jeffrey Sullivan of Mont Alto, PA, Gregory Sullivan of Fayetteville, PA, and Walter "Bill" Sullivan and wife, Melissa, of Winslow, ME. Bill was also a proud grandpap to Matthew, Shawn, Chelsey, Drew, and Hope, and he was delighted in being great-grandpap to sweet Harper Ann.

Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Sue Sullivan Reed, whose memory he cherished.

William R. Sullivan's legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched as an educator, a family man, and a friend. His unwavering kindness, dedication, and zest for life will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Please plant a tree so his memory will continue to live on.