William D. Wesley, of Hyattsville, MD, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Born in Washington, D.C. on July 14, 1951, he was the beloved son of Clarence E. Wesley and Naomi M. Wesley. Bill was so thankful and appreciative of his wonderful upbringing in Washington, D.C. His parents were wise, kind, patient and loving and he lived an idyllic childhood, lovingly nicknamed "Buddy" by his father. Bill was very proud to be a D.C. resident.

During his very early years, Bill's Grandmother Bell and Great-Grandmother Hutchins lived in the family home with Bill, his parents and brother, Michael. They were considered his "minders, not his babysitters" and were very influential in his spiritual upbringing. They read the Bible together every day and Bill remembered being so impressed when their pastor brought communion to the home and Bill was allowed to partake in the communion service, along with his grandmothers.

Bill's spiritual growth continued as an active member of McKendree Methodist Church where, even as a young person, he served on many committees including the finance committee. Once a month, the teens in his church were in full charge of the service and Bill often offered the sermon. One of his favorite duties was to maintain the carillon (bells), which had been inoperative for several years before Bill worked diligently to restore them to perfect working order.

Bill's elementary school, Langdon Elementary, was located two blocks from his home. He said he knew he had to behave in school because if he did anything wrong, his parents, who were friends with many on the staff, would know about it before he walked the two blocks home.

Bill continually mentioned how thankful he was for all of his teachers. He could name every one of them from elementary school through high school. Throughout his education, these teachers were diligent about their roles in guiding him, teaching him skills that he would use throughout his entire life. They instilled the values of proper grammar, history, science, math, geography, music, etiquette, as well as teaching respect and honor.

Bill began taking piano lessons at a very young age. When visiting his mother's family in Harpers Ferry, WV, he entertained his family by playing the piano for them. Bill was enchanted that his family had multiple pianos in their homes, even on their porches. In addition, he performed at many recitals as well as at his McKinley High School graduation ceremony.

Some of Bill's favorite memories were the trips that he and his family took every year to visit family in Ohio. He was always so impressed about how well they treated him as a youngster, even though they were "grown up," from his point of view. That kindness and love was extended to him all through his life and Bill adored his Ohio cousins, considering them his extended family.

When Bill was quite young, he became a licensed ham radio operator. He met many of his "friends for life" through this fun and interesting hobby. Bill designed and worked with a metal fabricating company to build a radio antenna tower that could be raised and lowered by a pulley system. This allowed him to maintain the antenna without having to climb the tower. However, he was an experienced "tower climber" and this skill would come in handy with his future career.

During Bill's high school years, at McKinley High School, he excelled in his ROTC classes, becoming one of the youngest cadets to achieve the rank of Colonel. He followed his parents' lead, developing a civic-minded and politically active mindset. Bill's ROTC unit won many competitions and participated in various events around the D.C. area. At one event, Bill had the honor of participating in the placing of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Bill began his career with Motorola, working with them for almost 30 years. He began working in the radio repair shops and rose up through the ranks to executive levels in marketing and design. He loved his communications work and considered himself a "modern communications pioneer."

Bill was one of the first employees to assist with the design and testing of the first cellular phones and cell phone towers. This was when cell phones were the size of a shoe box.

In his career with Motorola, Bill enjoyed working with multiple law enforcement, emergency services and federal agencies. Again, he met many lifelong friends throughout his career. His projects created many opportunities for travel, allowing Bill to visit every continent.

It was at this time in his life that Bill resided in Hyattsville, MD, raising his three children, Kendra, Christopher and Alexandra, sharing his love of music, humor and family with them. He enjoyed attending their school and church events and was very proud of his children's accomplishments, from college graduations to becoming exceptional parents and caregivers.

Following his time with Motorola, he started his own business, WesComm Inc., continuing his work in cellular communications until his retirement.

Bill considered himself a lifelong learner. His curious and inquisitive nature was amazing. He loved all types of learning and often researched various subjects, viewing many documentaries on topics that ranged from outer space to how food affected the history of the world.

Ancestry research was another favorite hobby for Bill. In addition to his love of family, he also loved becoming acquainted with new extended family members that he discovered through his research. As Bill gathered each new person into his world, from all over the country, he kept in touch with them on a regular basis. He would send messages on their birthdays, anniversaries, and pray for them in their time of loss. These connections brought Bill great happiness.

In preparation for this obituary, every person who spoke of Bill, mentioned his kindness and his wonderful sense of humor. Bill was so loving and he was so very loved.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Michael, his grandparents, several cousins and close friends who were like family to him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Diana Wesley, and children Mickey Mahoney (Jenny), Keri Mahoney, Kendra Wesley, Christopher Wesley, Alexandra Clarke (Akanni), grandchildren Adrian Wesley, Amelia Wesley, Julian Clarkson, Aramide Clarke, Mason Mahoney, Molly Mahoney, Maguire Mahoney and Meredith Mahoney.

May he rest in Joy.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Washington Street, Shepherdstown, WV, with Reverend Gusti Lienna Newquist officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church.

A repast luncheon will follow at 1:00 pm at the Rockhaven B&B, 900 Fillmore Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

The interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Harpers Ferry, WV.