John William "Billy" Birch, Jr.

John William “Billy” Birch, Jr. found his strength renewed in the arms of the Lord on Monday, February 3, 2025. Billy was born in Nassawadox, VA on May 13, 1975. He was raised on Chincoteague Island, VA and spent most of his adult life in Northern Accomack County, VA before relocating to Snow Hill, MD.

Billy dedicated his life in service to our community and country. At the age of 18, he began his career in law enforcement, serving as a Chincoteague Island police officer and then a Deputy with Accomack County Sheriff’s Office. His passion for public service led him to further serve as a federal law enforcement officer, where he held roles as a Training Manager, Assistant Operations Manager, and eventually Operations Manager at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Billy also served as the Director of Emergency Services for Worcester County, MD, and most recently worked as the Delmarva Peninsula Emergency Management Specialist for the Dept of Homeland Security, FEMA.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Billy was a highly skilled competitive marksman who competed in local, state, regional, and national ATA and IDPA competitions with great success. He was a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, Salisbury Gun Club, Synepuxent Rod and Gun Club, and Monie Creek Gun Club. Whether at work or on the range, Billy always looked forward to learning something new and found fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and passion with others. He enjoyed traveling and was an excellent cook, often preparing meals for family and friends.

Throughout his life, Billy was rarely seen without a K-9 companion by his side. He was grateful for the bond he shared with each of his dogs – Rascal, Precious, Magnum, Autumn, Gunnar, and Comet.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, John William “Bill” Birch, Sr. and Mary Alice Birch of Atlantic, VA; his wife, Nancy Ann Engelhart Birch of Snow Hill; children, Brendan H. Birch of Snow Hill, Nicole Birch of Philadelphia, PA, and Dakota W. Birch of Chincoteague; sister, Joy S. Birch of Stockton, MD; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, in Onley, VA, on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with Father Michael Imperial officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a wake at the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Billy Birch to TidalHealth Foundation (for the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute Infusion Center at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional), 100 E. Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 or online at www.tidalhealth.org/about-us/donate.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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