William Proctor

1942 - 2025

William Michael Proctor(83), known to most as 'Mike', is able to rest pain free. William passed away at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV on October 13, 2025. William was the 2nd child born to Marguerite Bernice Newman Proctor and William Edward Proctor in Washington DC. William graduated from Fairmont Heights High School in Capital Heights, MD. Upon graduating, he joined the Army in 1962, where he served jumping out of C-130's as a paratrooper and in Panama during the Riots of 1964. In 1965, after discharging from the Army, William re-enlisted a few months later, this time in the Navy, serving until he was honorably discharged a year later due to injury. After discharge, William graduated from Strayer University with a degree in Accounting. He quickly realized that Accounting wasn't for him and took on many other amazing opportunities throughout his life. He met so many people while working in his various roles, starting in Security at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, then as a Pipe-fitter at the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD, a Union Rep for the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union in Baltimore, MD, and in Commercial Truck sales at Century Ford in Rockville, MD. In his later years, William returned to working security for Allied Universal in Frederick and Bethesda, MD. William was passionate about his Native ethnicity and heritage with the Cedarville Band of Piscataway-Conoy tribe of Southern Maryland. He always acknowledged the hard work of his mother, Bernice, and the rest of the tribe in becoming the first Native American tribe recognized by the state of Maryland. He often said he was "proud to be Native before being Native was cool." William will be remembered for his unwavering support for marginalized groups and passionate political debates. We will miss his knowledge and love of antique furniture, spending hours at antique shops and flea markets. Above all else, William will be remembered for the pride and joy he had for his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye. William was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Nelson and Gary Proctor. William is survived by his children; Mattea Hartlove, Jonathan Proctor and Rhiannon Proctor. Grandchildren; Dakota Grisez, Reganne Proctor-Bowens, Kyle, Brady and Payton Hartlove, and Lamarr and Sydney White. Siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) Proctor, Constance Roberson, June (John)Page, and Timothy (Pam) Proctor. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home Smithsburg, MD and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. William Proctor