William Charles Hay, Sr.

William “Bill” Hay, Sr.

May 22, 1936 – March 22, 2026

William “Bill” Hay, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away on March 22nd at the age of 89. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bill spent most of his life in the Baltimore area, putting down roots in the Long Green and Glen Arm communities where he raised his family and built a life centered on the people he loved.

Bill spent his career as an insurance agent, finding his greatest professional joy in serving churches and community centers — organizations whose missions he believed in deeply. He understood that helping a nonprofit navigate the complexities of insurance wasn’t just paperwork; it was giving them the foundation to keep doing good in the world. That commitment extended beyond his desk, as he served on the boards of several of the organizations he insured, showing up for his community the same way he showed up for everyone in his life.

But ask anyone who knew Bill, and they’ll tell you his real life’s work was people. He had an unshakable belief that the richness of a life is measured not in wealth or possessions, but in the quality of the people you surround yourself with. “If you have good people — the best people

— you’ll have love,” he once said, “and that will make you the richest person of all.” He lived those words every day.

Bill was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Karen, and together they shared a life full of travel and adventure. He delighted in supporting her every idea and enthusiasm, no matter how grand — or wonderfully silly. He was so cherished by her Red Hat Society friends that he became their beloved Easter Bunny, a role he played with characteristic warmth and humor. Whether on the road, in the air as a private pilot, or out on the water as an occasional sailor, Bill was happiest exploring the world alongside the people he loved.

A proud Mason at Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 116 in Towson, Maryland, Bill extended his love of people through a lifetime of service and brotherhood. It was a natural home for a man who believed so deeply that how you show up for others defines who you are.

He was quick with a joke and quicker with a smile, and had a gift for making anyone feel seen and at ease. Even in his final days, when nurses would ask how he was doing, Bill would look up with a grin and say, “Can’t complain — how are you, hon?”

As a grandfather, he was nothing short of extraordinary — proud, loving, and always excited to be with family. When he spent time with his grandchildren, you could see a sense of wonder and an infectious appreciation of life emanate from him; truly amazed at the young people he saw and loved.

Bill is survived by his sons William Hay, Jr. and Eric Hay; stepson Mike Jones; and his grandchildren Joshua, Everett, and Emma Hay, who will carry his warmth, his humor, and his wisdom with them always.

He was preceded in death by his wife and greatest adventure partner, Karen Hay.

He was, by his own measure, the richest man in the world.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Bill’s name to the Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, MD.