William Anders Jr.

1933 - 2026

William Holland Beane Anders, Jr. passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the age of 92.

He was the son of the late Margaret Lyon Anders and William Holland Beane Anders, Sr. Bill was born in Baltimore, MD and spent most of his early life in Union Bridge, MD.

He graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in Pine Branch, NJ. He then earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Virginia. After college, Bill served in the U.S. Navy, the Merchant Marines and the Coast Guard.

Bill had a long career, serving in various agencies including The Southern Railway System, the Department of Commerce and various economic development programs.

Bill spent the majority of his adult life in Frederick, MD. After his retirement, Bill and his wife Katherine purchased the old Quynn's Hardware Store in downtown Frederick, MD. They closed the shop after 21 years of successful business.

Bill's lifelong passion was railroads, particularly railroads during the Civil War. He was an expert on this subject and ultimately published a book entitled "Railroads and the Civil War: A Conversation" in 2025. At the time of his passing he was working on another railroad/Civil War book, "The Saga of the Contrabands."

Bill was the last of his immediate family. His parents and wife Katherine predeceased him. His 32-year companion, after the passing of his first wife, was Rosemary S. Lyons, who also predeceased him.

Bill was a long-time member of the Frederick Rotary Club. He served in many capacities over the years. Accordingly, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Frederick, PO Box 13, Frederick, MD 21705.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Frederick Church of Christ, 1305 N. Market St., Frederick, MD 21701. Graveside services will be private. William Anders, Jr.