WILMINGTON — William Gray Wetherill, Jr. passed away on November 4, 2024 after a long illness. Bill relished life, adored his family, and engendered much that is good in others. One of his constant defining qualities was his love for and appreciation of his family: his children, grandchildren, and above all his devotion to his wife Karen.
Bill was born on November 22, 1942, a war baby to his decorated fighter pilot father, William, and mother Sidney Wetherill. In his early years, his family, including his two younger brothers, lived in Philadelphia and in his beloved Cape May, New Jersey. In his youth, Bill’s life was filled with adventure—a thrilling ride on a motorcycle and friendly challenges, like long afternoons spent on the tennis court. Bill had a lifelong proclivity for math. In pursuit of his education, and in no small part for adventure and independence, Bill found himself in his uncle’s environs in Wilmington, NC to complete his bachelor’s degree at Wilmington College, the precursor to UNC Wilmington. At the student union, Bill met Karen Sawyer of Wrightsville Beach, and they fell deeply and enduringly in love. Though of tender age, Karen was only 20, they married in 1967.
The young couple first lived in Coconut Grove, Florida, and then in Philadelphia before settling in Cape May to be closer to Bill’s extended family and friends in this stately seaside town. Initially a math teacher at a private school in Philadelphia, Bill transitioned to a role as a bank auditor after their move to Cape May. However, he was drawn to a more active lifestyle centered around tennis—managing a tennis club, coaching, and teaching. Their first child, Alison, was born in 1969, followed by their son, William, in 1974. In 1980, they made Wilmington their family’s permanent home.
Throughout his career, Bill continually returned to his passion for teaching math. He became a full-time substitute math instructor at a local middle school for at-risk children, mentoring young people across the area. To engage students in STEM, he also founded HAM radio clubs in several local school districts.
Bill and Karen shared many hobbies and interests; they were never far from each other’s side. Licensed HAM Radio operators, the family always knew when there was a competition for contacts, with students joining him in Field Day, the School Club Roundup, or worldwide Amateur Radio competitions. Also active members of SASS, Single Action Shooting Society, and Cowboy Action Shooting, Bill was a skilled marksman with many awards for various competitions. Bill was immensely proud of Karen who joined him and is a multi-state champion in her own right. His excitement and passion were contagious, gathering the entire family for stories of their travels, competitions and achievements.
Bill will be sorely missed by his wife Karen, their daughter Alison Wetherill and her husband Sean Drummey of Surf City; their son William Wetherill, III and his wife Mackenzie of Wilmington, and three grandchildren, Nevin Wetherill of Surf City, William “Liam” Wetherill, IV and Isabel Wetherill of Wilmington, and his brother, Herk Wetherill of Cape May. Bill is predeceased by his fourth grandchild, Tavish Wetherill of Surf City, who sadly passed away in July, and his brother Wayne Wetherill of Cape May.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lower Cape Fear Life Care, Coastal Land Trust, or to a charity of your choice.
A service will be held at a later date.
“’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.”
