William Douglas Embleton

William Douglas Embleton, 77, of Maryland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on April 29, 2026.

Born on July 12, 1948, in Severn, Maryland, Bill was the son of the late Joseph Byron Embleton and Sara Kathryn Goodman Embleton.

Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Army, a devoted Christian, and a retired federal civil servant. He lived a full and vibrant life, guided by his deep love for family, music, and the simple joys of each day. During his career, he worked as a groundskeeper at Fort George G. Meade for the Department of the Army, taking great pride in his work. He also held a CDL license and truly enjoyed driving tractor trailers.

He is survived by his beloved companion of 15 years, Patricia Barditch-Crovo, M.D., with whom he shared a beautiful life filled with love, music, and adventure. They especially enjoyed time in Ocean City, traveling, attending concerts, line dancing—where they first met—and cherishing time together at family gatherings, where their love and joy for life were always evident.

He is also survived by his devoted daughter, Brenda Lee Embleton (William Schroeder).

Bill was a proud and loving grandfather to Zachary Edward Zebron (Megan), Ethan Joseph Zebron (Andrea), Kyle Thomas Mrowczynski, and Chloe Grace Pagal, and Madison Ruyter, who was like a granddaughter to him.  

He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Weston Samuel, Caroline Leigh, Lucas Edward, Liam Thomas, Amelia Rae, and Elizabeth Grace, all of whom he dearly loved.

He is survived by his cherished siblings, Lauvenia “Gerry” Poist, Donald Eugene Embleton, Michael Owen Embleton, and Ronald Dale Embleton, as well as many loving nieces and nephews with whom he remained close throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Amy Lynn Mrowczynski, and his brother, Joseph Byron Embleton, Jr.

Bill had a lifelong passion for music. An avid and talented musician, he played guitar, sang, and brought joy to many through his harmonica, piano, and even the steel drum. He was blessed to have played alongside many incredible musicians and spent years performing locally with his band, Severn Run Country. His basement studio was one of his favorite places—a space where music, creativity, and happiness came together.

He had a gift for connecting with people and never met a stranger—only friends he hadn’t yet gotten to know. His warm personality and easy smile made others feel instantly welcome.

Beyond music, Bill embraced life fully. He was a hunter, fisherman, golfer, ice skater, boater, gardener, Harley rider, songwriter, and an all-around athlete for much of his life. He believed deeply in kindness and lived by the words he often shared: “Wear the world like a loose garment” and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Above all, Bill was a loving family man. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved them with all his heart and will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and the way he made those around him feel truly loved.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave SW, Glen Burnie, MD, on Monday, May 11th from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 9:30 AM in the funeral home chapel, followed by interment at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville, with military honors. The funeral service will be livestreamed via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81900607971

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or Hospice of the Chesapeake (www.hospicechesapeake.org).

Though his music may be quiet here, we know he is now singing in heaven, at peace in the presence of the Lord he loved.