William Chester Shimer, Sr.

William Chester Shimer, Sr, 92, of Westernport passed away on December 18, 2024 at Potomac Valley Hospital. 

Born February 18, 1932, he was the son of the late Chester W. and A. Mae (Marsh) Shimer. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Martha (West) Shimer; and his brother, Robert Shimer.

Bill attended the Luke School and graduated in 1950 from Bruce High School. He later studied at Catherman’s Business School in Cumberland. Bill was a United States Navy Veteran, having served for four years and almost all of those years he was stationed at the Norfolk Air Station. He worked for the Texaco Oil Company for two years and then retired from Westvaco in 1993, having worked there for 36 ½ years. 

Bill served for 25 years as Pastor of the Bear Creek Church of the Brethren and as Interim Pastor of the Westernport Church of the Brethren from 2003 to 2007. Being active in the church, he served as president of the Homebuilder’s Sunday School Class, a member of the church choir, a board member commission member, CWS CROP Walk coordinator, Convener for Men’s Fellowship, and moderator for various Brethren churches. Bill was a member of the Potomac Valley Quartet, Tri-Towns Ministerial Association, the Westernport Town Council, and he served as the BHS Class of 1950 President for more than 55 years. 

Bill enjoyed gospel music, singing, playing the organ, spending time traveling, bowling, wood working, watching sports and helping others. 

Bill is survived by his children, William C. Shimer, Jr. and wife Melva and Pamela Fike and husband Jeff. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Bryan, sister-in-law, Joann Shimer; three grandsons, Matthew Shimer, Brian Fike and Jason Fike; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received at the Westernport Church of the Brethren on Monday, December 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. 

Funeral and interment services will be conducted following the visitation at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Westernport Church of the Brethren.