Billy was a fierce competitor in high school football. The smallest guy on the field, but he had the toughest demeanor. He was a fearless player.
I am saddened to hear of his loss. May God bless his soul.
Jay McCarl, Parkdale Class of '76, 21 July 2007
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three. ~Author Unknown
I Love You, Billy!
Your baby sister, Bethie, 21 July 2007
My condolences to all who loved him. I never got to meet him, but heard many things about him. My heart goes out to you all. God Bless!
Michelle Romero, 21 July 2007
I am so sad. Today I find out that an old, good friend has passed. I've known Billy and Jean since car days at Tollison Buick. When I first me him, I knew he was special. We became fast friends and I spent lots of time with Bill and his family. I was at their wedding, at the hospital when Joe was born and spent many, many good times with them.
My blessing and condolenses go out to his family. Billy you will be missed. Today I lost a good friend. May God bless your family.
Chuck Dyson
Chuck Dyson, 21 July 2007
Bill was loving man who approached all things in life with exuberance. No half measures were taken, for with Bill, it was all or nothing.
I will miss his spirit, but know that he will always be a part of my life as he lives on in my heart.
"No one's death comes to pass without making some impression, and those close to the deceased inherit part of the liberated soul and become richer in their humaneness."
- Hermann Broch
sister Laurie, 22 July 2007
Billy was a good man who always strived to be a better person. It is easy to see that he loved many, worked hard, and enjoyed people. He was a good father, friend, and hunting companion. We shot darts, drank bear, had fun, and we laughed often.
When we were both much younger I bought my first car from him and he got me a job driving a truck. He was always helpful, looking out for others along the way.
He will be missed and it is sometimes hard to believe he is gone. He was loved.
22 July 2007
Our hearts go out to you as parents, to Billy's siblings. I'm sure this all feels so surreal! Remember the good times and always the smiles. We sure remember the times at the Lions Nights held for the Camp for the Deaf and the many meals we shared at the Bay & Surf when Billy was bartending! We shall keep you all in our hearts and prayers.
LOVE to All - Jan & Bart Daly, 22 July 2007
My condolences to the Hortie family. I was friends with Billy and all the Horties many years ago when they lived in Chillum, and later in Lanham. I remeber the many times playing all kinds of sports, kickball, football and baseball in their backyard. When we were older, there were pick up games of football at Parkdale in the 70's.
I am so sorry to hear this news.
Mike Christofaro, 22 July 2007
I first met Billy through his brother Ron and always enjoyed his company on our hunting trips. Billy was a colorful character, full of life and certainly made things interesting. Since I had not checked my email for several days, it was a shock to me to see his name in the Washington Post obituary section while passing through the airport. How very sad and my condolences to the Hortie family.
Robert J. Rainey, 22 July 2007
Our hearts are so saddened by the news of Billy's homegoing. We have many fond memories of the good times during football season at Parkdale High School watching all our young sons play ball. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless,
Earl and Barbara Taylor, 22 July 2007
My brother Billy was a unique person and could be quite the entertainer. He was a great salesman, and I always said he could sell ice cubes to Eskimos. He sometimes made it hard to love him, but we always did no matter what. I know that he is in a better place now, where he will know much joy. I will sorely miss him and his love for fun. I love you Billy. oxoxox
mohead, 22 July 2007
Billy, our hearts are heavy that we didn't get to see you in MD this summer, or tell you that we loved you one more time. Nick & Joe, you had a wonderful father and we were all so proud of his sobriety, he had come such a long way, only to literally die of a broken heart. He loved you both and Jean, so very much. His life was much too short and yet it was so painful for him at times. Billy, you will be missed. Go with God and rest in peace.
Sadly, Shirley, 23 July 2007
I didn't know Billy personally but just the fact that he was family of some close hunting friends brings great sadness. God only knows how much he will be missed by all who loved and knew him. Please remember that my wife and I are with the Horties at this difficult time and we are praying for you all !
Sincerely,
The Rogers Family
Burton C. Rogers III, 23 July 2007
Life was too short for someone who had much more living ahead. Bill was a hard worker, enjoyed a good laugh, and was always ready for a challenge. God speed and my condolences to his wife and children.
23 July 2007
I too first met Billy through his brother Ron and was saddened to hear the news of his passing. We all shared many good times at Beaver Dam Hunt Club together. I will remember all fun nights around the camp fire at the Hortie camp sharing hunting stories and playing cards. My condolences to the Hortie family. You are all in my prayers.
Dave Thompson, 23 July 2007
To the Hortie Klan: I'm so very sorry for your loss. Billy was one of a kind. I will never forget the memories I have of him. The Womens' football team, playing cards, watching the Redskins game, and the wonderful times with family and friends. Rest in Peace, Billy
Your Friend Dottie Pope
Dottie Pope, 23 July 2007
Billy. There are so many that love you and carry you in their hearts.
"May the winds of destiny carry you aloft, to dance amongst the stars"
You will never be alone and always loved.
My prayers and strength to the entire Hortie family.
Cyndi Newman, Palm Springs, CA, 23 July 2007
I had not seen my cousin Billy in many many years, but I have seen and keep in contact with the family and I love Dorothy & Bob very much. My heart aches for Billy's family and I pray God comforts them during this time of mouring.
Karen McKibben, 23 July 2007
I personnally did't know Billy but have been hunting friends of Ron and Mike Hortie. Still the fact is that Billy was a loved family member who has left our presence and is with our Lord in heaven. My wife,kids and I want to send our deepest sympathy to all the Hortie Family and let you know that we are praying for you!
Sincerely,
The Rogers
Mr.& Mrs. Burton C. RogersIII, 23 July 2007
Sorry to hear about your brother. Please give my condolences to your father and the family. Looking forward to seeing you in the fall and having fun like we always did!
Danny Stidham, 23 July 2007
My heart is breaking right along with my Hortie family. I will miss my "brother" who shared my birthday. I will always remember Billy as one of the most vivacious, outgoing, fun people I have ever loved. I was never prouder than to hear of his recent accomplishments amid his struggles. Joe and Nick are in my constant prayers and I look forward to the day when I can share memories of their dad with them. I love you all and am hugging each of your right now, can you feel it?
The "extra" sister, Sallie Jo Connell-Marker, 23 July 2007
My heart goes out on the Hortie family. I met Billy through his sister Beth. I instantly liked him as he was cool and pleasant. I continue to enjoy visiting the family. You all are in my prayers.
Shawn Richardson, 23 July 2007
I don't know Billy but knowing his baby sister, Beth. My deepest sympathy goes out to Hortie Family. All this information about Billy I wish to get to know him. Praying for your strentgh God Bless
Mo Paton, 23 July 2007
I am friend of Beth. I am sorry for your loss of Billy. I personsally dont know him but heard alot about him thru Beth. I Just wanted to say I am praying for the family of Billy and Beth. U are in my thoughts. Bless you all. ILY
Michelle Anthony, 23 July 2007
Good bye Wimpy, I would gladly buy you a hamburger today!
24 July 2007
I once met Billy through his sister Beth. She is my good friend, my deepest synpathy goes out to Hortie Family. I just want to say I am prayers for Hortie's family of Billy. U are in my thoughts. I continue to enjoy visit u all of Hortie"s family. Give love to all family hugs xoxo.
Mirna Santiago-Riley, 24 July 2007
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Billy and I want to extend my condolences to the family. It has been many, many years since I've seen Billy, Bobby and Ronnie (about 35), but a sad occasion such as this brings back fond memories of growing up in New Carrollton. Again, my condolences
Rick Moore, 25 July 2007
I'll never say goodbye, just see you later, to my best friend and true soul mate.
25 July 2007
Billy may you finally find the peace and happiness you have been searching for so long.
25 July 2007
Dear Nancy, family and friends.
So sorry to hear of your loss....we did not know Billy personally, however we can sympathise with the loss of a son/father/brother & good friend. We have known Nancy for over 10 years (internet friends) hearing all about her family during that time.
Our thoughts are with you all....
Karen & Nick (Tasmania, Australia)
Karen&Nick Tasmania, Australia, 26 July 2007
To the wild man, I will never forget you or our days in high school.Many good times, many memories, and many close calls. my deepest condolences to Bob and Dot and all of the family.
(Class member of Parkdale 76) Ron Connell, 26 July 2007
Bill, I am so heartbroken that you are gone and with no chance to say goodbye. My heart aches mostly for your beautiful sons, for I believe you were the best thing in their lives. I pray for them each day. I only knew you for a short time, but I do know that you loved your sons very much. I am so sorry that this world let you down. You are a strong man, loving father and smiling face that will be missed.
Sad Friend, Gastonia, NC, 26 July 2007
To our son Billy: Although you are no longer here on earth with us, you shall remain in spirit and love in our hearts forever and ever. We love you Billy, MOM and DAD
MOM and DAD, 28 July 2007
To the many relatives and friends of the Hortie Family who have called, sent cards of condolence, and written so many kind words about our son Billy.......Thank you. Bob and Dot
Bob and Dottie, 28 July 2007
Bill, you and Jean were quite the characters, always laughing and enjoying life when we would visit. I am so sorry you had to endure so much unhappiness, and even sorrier that you are gone before you could see your boys grow up. You were a great guy to be around except on the days the Cowboys played da Bears! I'm glad you've found peace at last. You'll be sadly missed, kid. We'll all look out for your boys.
A Bear hug from your brother in law, Dennis, 29 July 2007
To all our family and friends, Bill and Jean's family and friends:
A memorial service will held August 25th at St Francis De Sales Catholic Parish 500 Camden Ave Salisbury MD 21801-5802 at 11:00 AM. Reception immediately following service.
An additional celebration of Bill's life will be held Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007 at
Berwyn Heights Town Hall
5700 Berwyn Road
Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Hortie Family, 29 July 2007
I met Billy years ago through his baby sister, Beth. He was always a charming guy. I always look forward to see him(and the Horties)whenever I can with Beth. He will be missed greatly. My deepest sympathy to the Hortie family. May God Bless Yall...
Karen, 29 July 2007
Billy you were the best coed... softball coach...with cute fat cheeks... that I ever had!
No practice, once the season started. Yes!
My kind of coach! I never played again after that great season with you... and the Schwartz Brothers Inc, team. We had too much fun.
Donna McLean, 30 July 2007
Sincerest heart felt condolences to Jean and the boys. My heart breaks for those left behind.
31 July 2007
Do not weep for me, for I am everywhere, you see.
I am the stars at night, I am the break of dawn,
I am the summer's breeze, I am not gone.
I will stand with you always, and never be apart.
I am not gone, for I am in your heart.
That's where I will live, so do not weep for me.
For I am everywhere, you see.
31 July 2007
Brother, my brother,
How selfish was I
While you seemed to struggle,
I sat idly by
Brother, my brother
Yes try as I might
I now realize
It was also my fight
Brother, dear brother
Listen when I say
We will always be brothers
until my final day
(Poem by A.S.)
I'll see you when I get there Bill.
Love, Ron
Little brother, 1 August 2007
Our family sends to your family our deepest sympathy. We all grew up together and have alot of memories of that time long ago in New Carrollton. All the sports and school times. God Bless all of you.
All the Graham's, 1 August 2007
"There...but for the grace of God, go I."
Bill, I hope the lessons we all learn from all the struggles in your life and death, will save some other souls from repeating these same mistakes. I'm glad you found the way before you left us.
You are loved and will be missed. Adios, my friend.
4 August 2007
We only knew Bill and Nick for about two months. Nick attended our Preschool while Bill worked, just down the road. Bill knew Nick was safe & happy here with us, & he was close by, which made him feel secure. Nick is a precious child. We enjoyed our time with Bill & Nick, & the long talks in the office for support & confidence! Bill was a fighter & a good father to his sons. We wish Bill, Nick, Joe & his entire family what he wanted the very most - PEACE & LOVE.
Suzanne and Tim Jacobs, Belmont, NC, 9 August 2007
Suzanne and Tim, Thank you for taking such good care of little Nick. Our family will always be grateful that you provided this security and support to Billy and to Nick. God Bless You!
The Hortie Family, 13 August 2007
Don't hesitate to love as angels do... Love is the reason we're here. Bill I know you are watching over all of us just as all the angels do, help us along our way for sometimes the future does seem bleak. I love you and miss you so much my heart aches but I'm sure you will help me get through each day, one at a time.
Your sister and most of all your friend Peggy, 15 August 2007
Most of my memories of Billy are when we were kids. His family would visit in Loogootee and mine in Maryland. We always had a good time and looked forward to seeing the Hortie's. I had not seen or talked to Billy in a long time, but the day after my Mom's furneral, Thanksgiving Day (11-25-05), Billy called me to extend his sympathy. His kind words will always bring tears and will remain in my heart forever. I will pray for you Billy and your family. Love, Marsha
Marsha Street, 22 August 2007
Billy you will be missed.The times we shared will be forever in my mind,which is the best of blessings.Parkdale Sr High days were the best WoW the memories!!! To the rest of the Hortie clan I am so sorry for your loss. Billy was one of a kind. Billy was always kind amd went out of his way to put a smile on your face. To mom and dad:You raised a great son!!!!
Steven Fopma/ Michigan, 22 August 2007