William E. Rowley, Sr. the son of the late Jack Douglas and Ellen Rowley was born on September 13, 1926 in Northampton County. He departed this life Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Nassawadox, Virginia.

William, better known as "Shotbill" attended elementary school in the lower Northampton County. Despite not completing his education, he was a man of wisdom, integrity, had a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh.

William was well-known throughout the surrounding area and beyond as a friendly, caring, loving man and was respected for his love for his children, grandchildren, great grand children, children of family members, neighbors and everyone near and far.

William was a commercial waterman and fisherman. Fish was his specialty. His "fishing business" was known for many miles around and along with the business came many pleasant and joyful conversations. He made a multitude of friends and everyone knew where to go if they need or wanted freshly cleaned fish.

William rededicated his life to Christ and attended First Baptist Church Capeville. His wife, Josephine, a daughter, Ellen and a brother, George Douglas, preceded him in death.

William was a very sociable, loving man who leaves to cherish his memory forever: two sons, William Rowley, Jr., (Brenda), Harry Rowley (Joyce) all of Philadelphia, PA, two daughters, Paulette Williams (Phillip), Cheapside, VA and Barbara Ann Moses, Suffolk, VA; one sister, Darlene Gross, Baltimore, MD; one God daughter, Edna Sample, Cape Charles, VA; a special aunt, Shirley Ames, ten grandchildren: Brian, Batavia, Prentice, Phillip, Jr., Patrina, Chanda, Caulette, Jamar, Charlotte and Harry, Jr., twenty great-grandchildren, three best friends from childhood: Guermond Spady, Jr., Joshua White and Johnny Henderson, a special friend, Etta Stratton, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, the entire Cheapside Community and his First Baptist Church Capeville family.

Lovingly submitted, the Family