William Fownes Blue

William Fownes Blue

William Fownes Blue, known to his family and friends as Bill, died on June 10, 2022. Bill lived a full and generous life, characterized by his love of family and friends, as well as humbly giving back to entities that were close to his heart.

Bill was born on February 19,1933, in Pinehurst, N.C., the son of Halbert Johnston "Buck" Blue and his wife Louise Parker Fownes. In 1947, his family moved to the Baltimore area where Bill attended Gilman School, graduating in 1952. He then enrolled at the University of Virginia where he was a member of St. Elmo Hall, Eli Banana, ROTC, and captain of the varsity golf team. He graduated in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in commerce.

After graduation, Bill served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis and Fort Story before enrolling in the University of Virginia School of Law. He graduated in 1960, and joined the trust department of the Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company in Baltimore. Bill enjoyed a long and successful career in the trusts and estates area. He was a partner in the firm of Constable, Alexander & Daneker, and was a partner and Chairman of the Trusts and Estates Department for Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver. Bill ultimately retired in 2020 from the firm of Royston, Mueller, McLean and Reid, where he practiced law with his son Bob. Bill was known for his integrity and legal expertise, and was elected as a Fellow to the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

He attended St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, where he was active on various committees and served as Senior Warden on the Vestry. He also served as a trustee for the Children's Hospital, John Carroll School, Garrison Forest School, and Oldfields School. In the business arena, Bill served as a director of NationsBank of Maryland, Legg Mason Trust Co., and a family business established by his grandfather, John Blue, the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad Company, where he served on the board for over sixty years.

Bill loved his alma mater, the University of Virginia, and served as president of the University of Virginia Alumni Association. He also was a founder and driving force in the establishment of the Jefferson Scholars Program, a merit scholarship that has benefitted over 1000 students. In recognition of Bill's efforts, the board room at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is named in his honor.

Bill loved and gave back to the game of golf. An accomplished player, he won multiple club championships and played college golf. In his later years, Bill enjoyed the fellowship and competition as a member of the United States Seniors' Golf Association. Bill served as president of the Maryland State Golf Association, and also served on the United States Golf Association Junior Committee for over twenty years. He particularly enjoyed taking family and friends to the renowned Oakmont Country Club, which was founded and designed by his great-grandfather, Henry C. Fownes, and his grandfather and namesake, William C. Fownes, Jr.

Bill was a kind, generous, humble, and true Christian gentleman. Nothing was more important in his life than his family and friends. He enjoyed family vacations, attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, and hosting crab feasts and Thanksgiving at The Briars, the family home in Garrison. He was an avid reader, not only keeping up with his law and financial publications, but he also received great pleasure in reading history books. He also enjoyed visiting art museums and listening to classical music. In addition to his regular Saturday game of golf, he loved watching golf tournaments, and rooting for his beloved Virginia Cavaliers, Baltimore Orioles, Colts and Ravens.

He is survived by his devoted wife of over sixty-five years, Katherine Garnett Broaddus Blue (Kate). He is also survived by his son William Fownes Blue Jr. (Betsy), John Tyler Blue (Lisa), Robert Garnett Blue (Kathy) and Katherine Macon Blue; nine grandchildren Will Blue (Alison), Nancy Weadon (Ben), Kacie Baker (Reid), Brooke Blue, Ty Blue (Gavin), Campbell Blue, Caroline Blue, Rob Blue, and Ellie Blue, and three great-grandchildren; Liam Blue, Connor Blue, and Betsy Weadon.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church on Tuesday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jefferson Scholars Foundation

https://www.jeffersonscholars.org 112 Clarke Court, Charlottesville, VA 22903, attn.: William Fownes Blue Family Scholarship, or Gilman School https://www.gilman.edu 5407 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210.