William Andrews, 82, of California, MD died June 17, 2008 in Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC with his family by his side.

Born July 24, 1925 in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Lenore Grissom, and was raised in Providence, RI until the age of 16. He was 17 years old when he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aviation metalsmith and retired with the rate of Chief Petty Officer. He was stationed at the Anacostia Naval Air Station in Washington, DC and was later transferred to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. After retiring from active duty in the late 1960's, he took a civil service position at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and moved with his family to St. Mary's County.

Bill was a kid at heart, curious and creative with an adventurous spirit. He loved to talk to all types of people and often shared his unconventional ideas about the world. He was a member of the Church of the Ascension for almost 40 years and was a bass in the choir for most of that time. He served on the vestry and was a member of the church softball team. In his 40's, Bill became an avid cyclist, riding to work at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station on a regular basis and taking 100 mile weekend bike excursions. When he was in his mid 70's he participated in cycling events at the MD Senior Olympics, and qualified for and took part in races at the 1999 National Senior Games. After his retirement from the civil service, Bill enjoyed working as a volunteer at the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hilma Mondani Andrews, and his children, March Andrews and his wife Alison of Laytonsville, MD, Luke Andrews of California, MD, Anthony Andrews and his wife Susan of Bethesda, MD, Beth Andrews and her husband Dave Carson of Gaithersburg, MD, and Julie Correll and her husband Steve of Leonardtown, MD, four grandchildren, Lucy Andrews, Sean Carson, and Cara and Brady Correll.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 26, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Rona Harding officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.