William Robert "Bill" Lane

William R. Lane Although it is with great sadness, we announce the departure onto his next journey from this lifetime we celebrate and treasure all the profound moments of silent & reserved strength, loving & kindhearted gestures, as well as the generous heart of Bill. Halloween was always a time of celebration as Bill was born October 31st to Bob and Rozella Lane in New York. The family of 3 relocated to Maryland where Bill graduated from South Hagerstown High School as the state wrestling champion and standout football athlete. Bill attended the University of Maryland but was then called to enlist in the United States Marine Corps Infantry 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal during Vietnam receiving several military decorations as he was a brave and honorable soldier. He met his lifetime partner the summer of 1971 through a mutual friend on a waterskiing adventure. The rest was a whirlwind love story which found Bill at the alter 3 months later to wed his beloved Tena Alice who devoted the same love as she was by his side through his last breath. The first 5 years of marriage led them on many adventures together as a couple and then they welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Stephenie, who was her dad’s pride & joy. Over the next 47 years Bill’s own family of 3 experienced an abundance of happiness with his dedicated love and devotion to his girls. He graciously attended all events of celebration, neighborly check-ins, meals with the S.H.H.S. classmates and R.O.M.E.O’s sharing his witty laughter. At times of sorrow Bill would be one of the first ones to offer a helping hand as a faithful friend. Bill volunteered numerous hours to his adopted community with the Wilson Ruritan Club breakfasts and food stand at the C.S.V.F.C. carnival along with the Clear Spring District Historical Association at Market Fair. His favorite volunteer time was grilling steaks and parking attendant during the carnival for Post 222. Bills was an excellent cook and grill master making sure his guests had plenty. Bill was able to retire from M.C.I. as Tena joined him a few years later after 30 dedicated years. Bill was always using his hands to create true self-taught craftsmanship woodworking. After all, he built their family home with the help of adored family and friends. Just a decade ago Stephenie married her lifetime partner, David Baker along with 2 children, Austin and Kaitlyn whom Bill welcomed with a grateful heart as he quickly earned the endearing name of Big B. David received multiple “THANK YOU DAVID’s or T.Y.D.’s” hidden in every card. (Their own little joke – Still not funny Dad) With the additions, there were road trips by car or Harley Davidson. Since the new son-in-law had a bike, Bill decided to relive his younger years as he immediately caught “the fever”. He surprised Tena with an early gift from Santa so they could ride into the sunset together once again. Bill also adopted a cat in recent years he cared deeply for even though he always said he didn’t as he would fix the cat his own scrambled eggs or give him left over steak. He always cared for each animal finding their way to him rather be rescuing a family of baby skunks or taking in his beloved Treeing Walker, Josie, who thought she was a lap dog. Even though Bill was an only child he enjoyed the life he created with Tena, Stephenie, David, and his abundance of special family including friends he held close to his heart near and far. Sometimes he was a man of few words as he was extremely observant and others you may have wondered if his legendary story time may not have an ending but there certainly were some good ones. Although shared thoughts of wisdom are already absent, we invite you to share Bill’s life with us and others by continuing his legacy forward to prove that a strong will can bring a generous heart and continuous beat among us. To honor him, take the time for a chat, check on your family & friends, love unconditionally, share kindness to a stranger, tip your servers generously when sharing a meal with those you love, be intentional by putting your phone down to provide undivided attention, help an animal in need, and ALWAYS hug your loved ones while telling them you love them as life can be short. Bill lived a life of honor valuing family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Please follow his lead and intention of his never forgotten U.S.M.C. moto of “Second to None” by demonstrating the same values shared above. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the 911 dispatcher who guided Tena throughout until all emergency services arrived who were just as compassionate and kind. We also thank all of you who are keeping us close to your heart and in prayers as the outpouring of love is comforting to know Bill was so well loved in return. Our family welcomes any and all written stories, notes, & pictures of Bill’s treasured memories you would like to offer as a keepsake. A collection box to place your thoughts will be at the gathering as we greatly appreciate your time to share with us. All are welcome to attend the military honors as we request to please take a seat promptly at 2pm upstairs in the ballroom on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Clear Spring American Legion Post 222 located at 12335 Big Spring Road, Clear Spring, MD. Please join us for an informal gathering of family and friends afterwards from 2:15pm – 5pm. During this time we invite you to share amongst each other your stories of our beloved Bill