William Nullmeyer

William (Bill) Nullmeyer passed away at his long-time home in Brookeville, MD, on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Born August 24, 1944, in Staten Island, NY, to parents Herman John and Dorothea (Storck) and sister Barbara (Brakeley). Bill spent his early years in Crestwood, NY, soon enrolled in Peekskill Military Academy where he refined his athletic prowess as a competitive swimmer among other sports. Upon his graduation in 1962, Bill moved with his parents to Rockville, MD, enrolling in the University of Maryland, College Park, where he continued to develop his skill as a swimmer, earning a spot on the Atlantic Coast Athletic Honor Roll in 1965. Graduating from the university with honors, Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps, completing Officer Candidate School in 1966. Bill served in Vietnam, then became a reservist until his retirement from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1986.

In addition to his undergraduate degree, Bill also earned a Master of Science degree from George Washington University while working full-time at the Montgomery County Government where he served in a series of advancing roles until his retirement in 1999.

While Bill’s professional and athletic accomplishments were many, his true joys came from his family. He married the love of his life, Nancy (Reed), in 1976 and welcomed son, John William, and daughter, Susan Elizabeth (Long), fulfilling his life-long dream of fatherhood. He took pleasure in the expansion of his family through his children’s chosen partners, Donny Malles and Brad Long, and relished the role of adored “Pop-pop” to his granddaughters, Ava Elizabeth and Ella Grace (Long). Family was priority – whether it was his wife, children, parents, in-laws, sister or niece and nephews, Bill never missed an opportunity to demonstrate his fierce love for and loyalty to his family.

Bill was famously known for his firm handshake (some may say crushing), direct eye contact (with his piercing blue eyes), all-consuming hugs and genuine smile filled with warmth. Bill was happiest surrounded by his family and friends, taking pleasure from the many relationships forged over the years. He took pleasure in his faith and church community, reading countless stories to his granddaughters (with all the right voices), early mornings spent with friends in the swimming pool (a past-time kept through his mid-70s), a piping hot mug of Dunkin Donuts coffee (French vanilla of course), making improvements around his house (or those of his children) either on his own or together with long-time friends (the “Bad Boys of Mount Airey Road”). People rarely asked Bill for help because he instinctively knew how to be of service to others, gladly lending a hand or sharing some guidance as the need arose. Bill rarely sat still as there was always something to be done or someone to help.

Bill loved fully and lived selflessly – this is both his greatest gift and his legacy.

Memorial donations may be made to one of the following charities, Alzheimer’s Association, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network or the Wounded Warrior Project.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Oakdale Emory Church in Olney, MD at 11am on Monday, May 2, 2022. 

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