Willard ''Will'' M. England

Willard Melvin England, 79, of Edgewood died at his home December 9, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joylene; children; Jeanette England (Jacquie Sherwood) of Edgewood, Dixie England of Forest Hill, Roy England (David Strauss) of Abingdon, Patty (Elzy) Stanley of Elkton, Shelly England, and Eric England (Lydia Pirog) of Edgewood. He is loved by seven grandchildren, Keith England, Shannon Stanley, Samantha Stanley, Zeke England, Eli England, Ezra England and Jovie England.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Melvin and Margaret (Smithson) England of Forest Hill, four brothers; Charles England, Walter England, Howard England and Edwin England; and one son, Raymond Willard England.

Mr. England served in the U.S. Air Force, worked at Bata Shoe Company, and retired June 3, 1994 after 28 years of federal service at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Printing and Reproduction Plant. He later worked 10 years for Genesis of Aberdeen. He was the custodian at Edgewood Baptist Church for 28 years.

He was an avid bluegrass fan and accomplished musician. He enjoyed playing guitar, banjo, steel guitar and dobro. He was a great sports fan, especially for the Maryland Terps, the Orioles and the Ravens. He and his wife fostered 80 children and cared for many others over the years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.