In Memory of Bill Towne
Major William Roush Towne II (Bill) of Whispering Pines, NC passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2024 (97). Bill was born on November 7, 1926 in Seattle, WA to the late Colonel Josiah and Doris Mohundro Towne.
Bill is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Marjorie Garrett Towne (Midge). Bill is survived by his two sons, Langdon Towne (Sandy Rubin) of Warrington, PA and Douglas Towne (Pam Berkland) of Whispering Pines, NC. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Elizabeth Towne and Alexander Towne of Ocean View, DE. And Mitchell Towne (Caroline Wilson) of Middletown, DE, Molly Towne of Iowa City, IA, and Garrett Towne of Larchmont, NY. Bill had one step-daughter, Angela Zumwalt (Bob Andrade) of Whispering Pines, NC.
Bill spent his early years on Bainbridge Island and Seattle, WA. He attended the Lakeside Boarding School graduating in 1944. The summer after his graduation he learned his father had successfully landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day +3. Bill immediately enlisted in the US Army. He served in the US Army in WWII and Korea from 1944-1953, US Army Reserves from 1953-1967, retiring as a Major in 1967. Bill earned his Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Florida. Bill married Midge on April 26, 1958 in the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. They moved to NY where they raised their two boys in NYC and Pleasantville. Bill worked as a Surety Bond Broker in New York City. One of the highlights of his career was helping insure the building of the World Trade Centers.
Bill was an avid skier and had the opportunity to ski in Austria, Italy and Japan. He continued skiing with his family going on many trips throughout the US Northeast. The mountains of Stowe, Vermont were the family's favorite place to ski. Bill and Midge had a beach cottage (lovingly named Waverly) for almost thirty years on Eastern Long Island, Southampton, NY. Bill, Midge, Langdon, Doug, and their dog, Smokey, spent summer weekends sailing in the bay, riding the ocean waves and enjoying incredible sunsets. Bill and Midge retired to North Carolina in 1994. Bill often said his retirement years with Midge in NC living in their lake house, golfing, dancing, spending time with family and friends were the happiest years of his life. Bill and Midge traveled extensively together with trips throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia including Russia, China, Budapest, Morocco, Egypt and Greece (their favorite).
Bill was a three time cancer survivor. Because of this he became a loyal supporter of Swim Across America (SAA). SAA is an organization that hosts charity swims that fund cancer research and patient programs. Memorial contributions for Bill can be made to SAA on this page.
A funeral service for Bill will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025. His remains will be interred at Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s Memorial Garden.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
