BMC William Robert "Bill" McElwain, Jr., (USCG, Ret.), 74, of California, MD (and Pinellas Park, FL), passed away Monday, June 15, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 15, 1941, in Detroit, MI to the late William Robert McElwain, Sr. and Beulah Zelpha Campbell.

On June 17, 1958, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Coast Guard when he was 17 years old. He dedicated 20 years of service to his country until his retirement and honorable discharge in July 1978. While serving he earned the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He was a true American patriot, in which he loved helping others in need. He enjoyed travelling in the United States and abroad, with the Coast Guard and in his retirement.

He once toured Europe on bicycle, travelling to France, Spain and England. He also enjoyed visiting the New England states, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. He enjoyed studying history and visiting historical sites. He was a remarkable host and entertainer, with a talent for cooking many different types of cuisines. He had an amazing sense of humor, and often played pranks on people. He liked to fish, dive for seafood, including lobster, and camp. He admired his father and grandfather, and they were a great role model for him. In turn, his family was his greatest love and he enjoyed spending his time with them. He is a remarkable role model and inspiration to all of them.

Bill is survived by his children, Rhonda Maureen McElwain of Clinton, WA, William Robert McElwain, III (Kevin Dean) of Long Beach, CA, and Ian Scott McElwain of California, MD; his sister, Roberta McElwain (Peter Filzmaier) of Bushnell, FL; his grandchildren, Jessica Irene Aguilar of Long Beach, CA and Nicholas Valance McElwain of San Ramon, CA; his nieces, Erin Pangle, and Sharon Miller; his great niece, Morgan Miller; and his step-sons, David McNichols of Virginia Beach, VA and Michael McNichols of Elizabeth, NJ. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Family will receive friends for Bill's Life Celebration on Monday, June 29, 2015 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service celebrated by Rev. Joe Orlando at 2:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will follow at later date scheduled by the United States Coast Guard.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.