William Edward Cavill, Jr.

William Edward Cavill, Jr., age 73, passed away on January 8, 2026, following a short yet valiant battle with cancer.

Born on November 5, 1952, in Baltimore, Maryland, Bill was the first of four children born to William E. Cavill, Sr. and Caroline J. Cavill.  He was raised in Glen Burnie, where he graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1970, and set a school record in the mile as a member of the track team.  After high school, he attended Anne Arundel Community College.

In 1973, Bill joined the United States Army, where he became a Vietnamese linguist intelligence specialist.  He graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, in September 1974, and served his country honorably until April 1976.

Bill met his devoted wife, Fran, in his hometown when his best friend introduced them at a party shortly before Bill returned to the Army.  They were married on August 12, 1977, and shared 50 wonderful years together—48 of them as husband and wife.

Bill graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 1977, with a degree in history.  Anyone who knew Bill could attest to his remarkable ability to recall historical facts, figures, and battles with extraordinary accuracy.  He went on to serve under six Presidents in the United States Secret Service, Uniformed Division, from President Carter through President George W. Bush. Bill retired in 2003 after 23 years of service, achieving the rank of Lieutenant.

He spent his retirement devoted to his beloved family, enduring a variety of “bad” cats, challenging himself with crossword puzzles, collecting Baltimore Colts/Ravens memorabilia and passionately rooting for his Baltimore Ravens.  Bill and his son, Ryan, were masters of the pun, which they doled out hilariously at family dinners.  A dedicated fan and a 28-year PSL owner, Bill proudly passed on both the joy and the excruciating pain of football fandom to his daughter, Stephanie.  He possessed a photographic memory, was a grill master, a dedicated runner, and an exceptional storyteller—especially skilled at frightening children.  He was also a phenomenal grandfather to his beloved grandgirls, Emmy and Bea.

Though he wasn’t fond of travel, Bill never hesitated to visit his girls in New York City or Houston.  He had a special gift for befriending small children and animals alike.  His stories will live on in infamy, as will his memory.  He is deeply missed and forever loved.

Bill is survived by his wife, Francine J. Cavill; his son, Ryan W. Cavill; his daughter, Stephanie A. Matthews; his son-in-law, Christopher M. Matthews; and his cherished grandchildren, Emmy and Bea.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m. at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, followed by an 11:00 a.m. service at Grace Point Presbyterian Church, 615 Donaldson Avenue, Severn, Maryland.  A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.