Mr. John William “Billy” Birch Jr. found his strength renewed in the arms of the Lord on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. Billy was born in Nassawadox on May 13, 1975. He was raised on Chincoteague Island and spent most of his adult life in northern Accomack County before relocating to Snow Hill, Md.
Billy dedicated his life in service to our community and country. At the age of 18, he began his career in law enforcement, serving as a Chincoteague Island police officer and then as a deputy with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office. His passion for public service led him to further serve as a federal law enforcement officer. He held roles as a training manager, assistant operations manager, and eventually operations manager at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Billy also served as the director of emergency services for Worcester County, Md., and most recently worked as the Delmarva Peninsula emergency management specialist for the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Billy was a highly skilled competitive marksman who competed in local, state, regional, and national ATA and IDPA competitions with great success. He was a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, Salisbury Gun Club, Synepuxent Rod and Gun Club, and Monie Creek Gun Club. Whether at work or on the range, Billy always looked forward to learning something new and found fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and passion with others. He enjoyed traveling and was an excellent cook, often preparing meals for family and friends.
Throughout his life, Billy was rarely seen without a canine companion by his side. He was grateful for the bond he shared with each of his dogs — Rascal, Precious, Magnum, Autumn, Gunnar, and Comet.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, John William “Bill” Birch Sr. and Mary Alice Birch, of Atlantic; his wife, Nancy Ann Engelhart Birch, of Snow Hill; his children, Brendan H. Birch, of Snow Hill, Nicole Birch, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Dakota W. Birch, of Chincoteague; his sister, Joy S. Birch, of Stockton, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m., with Father Michael Imperial officiating. Interment followed in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Donations in Billy’s memory may be made to TidalHealth Foundation (for the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute Infusion Center at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional), 100 E. Carroll St., Salisbury, MD 21801 or online at www.tidalhealth.org/about-us/donate
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
