William James Roe, Jr.

Birth date: Jul 12, 1934 Death date: Mar 16, 2022

Tilghman - William J. "Willie" Roe of Tilghman died peacefully at Talbot Hospice House on Wednesday March 16, 2022. He was 87 years old. Born on Tilghman Island on July 12, 1934 he was the son of the late William J. Roe Sr. and M Read Obituary

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Olivia Conway

176w ago

My family and I are so grateful and blessed to have gotten to know the great Willie Roe. My husband and I travel to Tilghman/St. Michaels every year to visit and we would never miss an opportunity to go out fishing on the Big Will with Willie. We enjoyed his stories, history of the island, and knowledge of fishing and the bay. We finally decided our children were old enough for charter finishing last year and we were honored to take them out fishing with Willie in September 2021. He truly loved having our two boys (3 and 5 years old) on board his boat. He was eager and determined to teach them the right way to fish. Willie was a true legend of Tilghman and he will be greatly missed by our family. We will keep him and his family forever in our prayers! Love the Conway family (Olivia, Luke, Kason, and Kruz)

Tilghman Watermen's Museum

191w ago

Willy Roe's life is the story of the Chesapeake Bay for the second half of the 20th century. In this video Willy says new nylon nets meant big money for Tilghman Watermen.

Ron Tipa

192w ago

As we all go through life’s journey every once in a while you get to know someone that’s larger than life itself. To me, Willy was one of them. A truly gentle man with a kind heart and a great sense of humor. He had the greatest stories. Every time I had a question about the history of Tilghman, I would say to myself; I’ll have to ask Willy. I first went fishing with Mr. Willy in 2007. I took fishing trips with my children, grandchildren, and friends many times. Later we fished as “friends of Willy’s”… I loved going out fishing all those times…even though Willy never wanted to come back after we were all ready to return. Lol. He was always determined to stay out and catch the limit. I have great memories of all those wonderful times. He was a true Captain of the Sea and there will never be another man like Willy Roe.
He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by me and so many. Rest In Peace Willy. We love you.
Ron & Dottie Tipa

Edna Barry

192w ago

Mr Willie will always be one if my best memories of this island. I loved his stories and what he has taught me about this island and the bay. As I said before I wish I could take every "well anyhow" and add it to his life. He was a great man and a wonderful friend. Fly high Big Will. I know you will tell many stories in heaven.

Kathi Ferguson

192w ago

Added a new photo to the Willie album.

Kathi Ferguson

192w ago

The Ferguson family (Jeannie, Kathi, and Don) send you our prayers. From our front porch on Anchor Road, we would always see that red truck pull out of Willie Roe Road, smile, and say 'there goes Willie"! What a special person he was. We feel blessed to have known him. Like so many here on Tilghman, Willie was the "salt of the earth". We will miss him.

Jeff White

192w ago

Added 2 new photos to the Willie album.

Jeff White

192w ago

Mr. Willy was a model human being that we all should try to emulate. His word was as good as gold and his heart was huge. His main purpose for having a garden was to be able to help out his neighbors by giving his produce away. When he had to sell his business, his main regret (as that story goes) was the uncertain future he had thrust on his employees. My grandsons will never forget the times he took them out and taught them how to fish, and neither will I. I could go on and on, but all you need to do is check the registry at his nursing home and hospice, notice the huge percentage of total visitors that were there to see Willy, and know he has more true friends than anybody. We wish we could have known him longer, and he knows that Jennifer and I love him, so we will try to follow his example and hope we see him in Heaven when it is our time. Willy, rest in peace...

Jan Oberst

192w ago

in honor of William.

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Jan Oberst

192w ago

Big Will was a legend in his own time and will live on in our hearts with all the wonderful memories of his story telling and his fishing trips (with Rich). May God grant you peace and comfort. Prayers to you and your family. Jan and Rich Oberst

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