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A REMARKABLE LIFE: BILL KEYES

Celebrating the Life of Bill Keyes

Neighbor, World War II Veteran, Artist, Teacher, Mentor, Law Enforcement Officer
May 2, 1921 - February 14, 2026

After almost 105 years on the planet spanning several disparate careers in service to others, seeing combat in World War II, working as a uniformed law enforcement, as a cat daddy, and an accomplished educator and mentor, Bill, Billy, or as many will always remember him—Mr. Keyes—passed on early this morning.

To those of us who were privileged to call him neighbor and friend, no obituary is needed; and to those who were not so fortunate, none would come close to capturing the essence of this formidable man anyway.

His passing leaves all his AOTB neighbors with memories that none of us will ever forget.

Obituary

William Snowden Keyes, aka “Billy” Keyes, long time resident of Arundel on the Bay, passed away on Valentine’s Day at Heart Homes in Annapolis, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and creativity that will live on in all who knew him.

Billy Keyes was the oldest son, born May 2nd, 1921, to Annie Payne Keyes and Charles Snowden Keyes of Washington, D.C. He is predeceased by two brothers, a sister, three children and three wives: Edward (Detroit), Robert (Washington, D.C.) and Adele (Washington, D.C.) and Tony, Cecelia, and Charles.

He is survived by his daughter, Jutta Butler; his son, Erich Keyes; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Billy Keyes grew up in Washington, D.C., on Florida Avenue, and completed high school in New Orleans at Xavier Preparatory School. He then returned to Washington, D.C., married his first wife, Naomi in 1941. In 1944 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, he received an honorable discharge in 1946.
Following this he had several low-level positions in the U.S. government. During this time, he divorced his second wife, Clara Bow, and then in 1958 married Anni Hessler, the mother of Erich and Jutta. (She passed away in 2013.)

At age 47 he decided to go back to college to complete his degree (B.S. in Education) in 1968-1972 from the District of Columbia Teacher’s College (now UDC). He then went on to get a Master’s Degree from University of District of Columbia.

He enjoyed a career in the field of education, primarily as a counselor at McKinley Tech in Washington D.C., and then as a substitute teacher at South River High School until he retired when he was 99.

He was an accomplished artist, expressing himself through vibrant abstract art and delightful cartoons. His creativity was not only seen on canvas and paper but felt in the joy he brought to others. He had an extraordinary sense of humor, the kind that caught you off guard and left you smiling. Whether through a quick-witted remark, playful drawing, or one of his many tall stories, he had a gift for making people laugh and make them feel at ease. His jokes will echo in our memories. His art will remain a reflection of his unique spirit and the laughter he inspired will continue to ripple through generations.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tributes

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth speaks on House floor about Mr. Keyes:
“It was my privilege to recognize my friend and beloved Annapolitan on the House floor. Mr. Billy Keyes, who we lost at the age of 104, dedicated himself to service and his community by nearly every means possible – serving our country as part of the 761st Tank Battalion, which was the first all-African American unit to enter combat during World War II, and then sharing his wisdom with the next generation as an Anne Arundel County Public School teacher until he retired at the young age of 99. Mr. Keyes accomplished more in his lifetime than most of us could ever imagine, teaching us to live well and live generously.”

“Billy Keyes was without a doubt my oldest friend. I enjoyed guided tours of his garage museum and our occasional chats. And a unique personality. I'm so glad I got to know him.” – AOTB Neighbor

“I met Mr. Keyes many times as a resident here, but one of the most memorable (and showcasing his sense of humor), was when I was power walking with a friend and passed his house. He was outside so we stopped to say hello. I mentioned we were exercising, and he said, ‘Oh, to get some of that fat off? You know you have to eat right, too?’ Yes, Mr. Keyes, I know. I laughed then and still smile now thinking of his humor and the straightforwardness you find in elders. I'll miss him and that.” – AOTB Neighbor

“I'm so sorry for his death. But he had an amazing life to the end and so many people loved him. And nobody is immortal.” – AOTB Neighbor

“The best substitute teacher of all times.” – South River High School, Class of 2004

“One of the greatest men of our times.”

“So sorry to hear of Bill's death. What little we knew of him was colorful and unapologetic. He was authentic when so many are not. What a life he led! Bill leaves a legacy of affection and respect. May we all be so fortunate...” – AOTB Neighbors

“Mr. Keyes was such a great person and full of life. Every time I saw him, I would ask, ‘what's your secret to living such a loving healthy life?’ He would say to have a sip of vodka a day and to stay away from women. LOL :) I always looked for him when I knew he was coming in the office. He always made me smile and we even sung [happy] birthday to him last year. Put a big smile on his face. He was truly a good soul and I have been blessed to have known him. My Prayers go to his family or friends during this time. Thanks for the laughs, Mr. Keyes :)”

“Mr. Keyes, I am only one of numerous students within Anne Arundel County that thought the world of you. The impression you made on us as a substitute teacher is incredible. I am truly honored to have known you and want to thank you for your service, not only in the Army but also as a police officer and a teacher. You truly made this world better by simply being in it. Your 104 years were definitely a life well-lived. To your family, I send my sincerest condolences and prayers. He was loved by so many. His memory will live on and there are generations of us students who, to this day, cannot look at a red shirt without hearing his voice saying, ‘You commie!’ :) He was the best substitute ever!!” – South River High School, Class of 1992

News Media Coverage

Thebaynet.com

Beloved Annapolis Resident And World War II Veteran William ‘Billy’ Keyes Dies At 104
by Report Annapolis News

February 23, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – William “Billy” Keyes of Annapolis, a World War II veteran, retired public school teacher, former police officer, artist, and devoted community ambassador, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was 104.

According to the Library of Congress, Mr. Keyes served in World War II with the historic 761st Tank Battalion. After the war, he returned to civilian life, working as a police officer in Washington, D.C., and later spent more than three decades teaching in the Anne Arundel County Public School System before retiring.

Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad said she first met Mr. Keyes in 2021 during the posthumous honoring of Deputy Sheriff George Phelps, Jr., the county’s first African American officer.
Chief Awad recalled Mr. Keyes’ charisma, quick wit, and generosity, sharing afternoons listening to stories of his military service, teaching, art, love of plants, and insights on history and culture. “In March 2024, Mr. Keyes was sworn in as an Honorary Anne Arundel County Police Officer,” Chief Awad stated.

In a July 2018 Facebook post, Carl Snowden, Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders, described Keyes as “a living resource,” highlighting his meeting with Fidel Castro in 1959, his service in WWII, his life in Arundel-on-the-Bay, and his home full of historical artifacts. Snowden noted, “Billy Keyes gave me a history lesson that you will not get in Anne Arundel County Public Schools.”
In a more recent statement, Snowden called Mr. Keyes “a walking encyclopedia of history” who had marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., and met Malcolm X, emphasizing the breadth of his experiences and impact.

According to a May 2024 social media post, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Elite Eta Eta Lambda Chapter paid tribute to Mr. William Keyes following his 103rd birthday celebration, marking the occasion with a Memorial Day gathering.

“This Memorial Day was extra special for the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Eta Eta Lambda Chapter, as they gathered to celebrate an incredible milestone: the 103rd birthday of Bro. William Keyes,” the post stated.

“The festivities took place at Orioles Park, and despite a forecast that threatened rain, the skies stayed clear, allowing for a perfect day of celebration. The event was graced by the presence of over 30 fraternity brothers and their families, who came together to honor Bro. Keyes’s remarkable journey. The highlight of the day was the opportunity to spend time with Brother Gov. Wes Moore in the prestigious Governor’s Suite, adding a touch of elegance and camaraderie to the celebration.”

The fraternity’s post described Mr. Keyes as “a beacon of wisdom and experience, enjoyed the love and admiration of his Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lasting Tributes Cremation and Funeral Care. A celebration of life is scheduled for March 25, 2026, 10am, according to an online obituary.
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CBS Baltimore

Anne Arundel County school remembers beloved substitute teacher
By Caroline Foreback

Updated on: February 19, 2026 / 6:31 PM EST / CBS Baltimore

An Anne Arundel County school is remembering a longtime substitute teacher who retired at 99 and died last weekend at 104.

William Keyes was a substitute teacher at South River High School for more than 30 years before he retired at the age of 99. He died on Valentine's Day at 104 years old.

He was a World War II veteran, an artist and an educator beloved by students and teachers.

William Keyes left his mark

Keyes was an icon at South River High School.

“He was quite a legend through the halls here,” said Yolanda Cannon, behavior support educator.

“Larger than life,” added social studies teacher Ian Goodwin.

For more than three decades, Keyes was everyone's favorite substitute teacher.

“He treated every single person as if you were his best friend,” said teacher Josh Carroll, who is also the Wounded Warrior Club Advisor.

Keyes' approach with students was unconventional. He was known for threatening to throw students out the window, but it worked.

“He would meet the kids on their level,” said AP English teacher Iris Crankfield. “Him saying he would throw them out the window was a term of endearment. They wanted him to say that. That was how he built a friendship and got them to do the work.”

Military history

Long before he was an educator, Keyes was a hero.

Keyes was born in 1921. When he was 23, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the all-Black 761st Tank Battalion.

“When he served, it was a segregated military,” Carroll said. “I think that opened up our students' eyes to how much change that he saw in his lifetime.”

William Keyes was a substitute teacher at South River High School for more than 30 years before he retired at the age of 99. He died on Valentine's Day at 104 years old.

Teachers at South River said Keyes was like a walking history book.

“When you were looking at World War II, he'd been there,” Goodwin said. “When you were looking at the Civil Rights Movement, he'd lived through it. He knew history because he was history.”

A passion for art

Keyes preserved much of his own history through his art.

“A lot of his art was based on what he saw around him and what he lived,” said family friend Caroline Sears.

Sears knew Keyes since she was 2 years old after he befriended her mom Jen, who works in the art department at South River.

“He was social, he was funny, witty and quick with it,” Sears said.

Keyes was still sharp even after he retired at 99 years old.

Sears said he attributed that to journaling every day.

“He would draw cartoons in the margins, he would cut out newspaper articles, pictures and put them in there,” Sears said.

Keyes never stopped creating and he never stopped learning.

Passing on the story

This Black History Month, his former colleagues are making sure to tell his story.

“I think it's important for our students to know about him and his history,” Keyes said.

Keyes had a story of living life to the fullest.

“I think we take a lot of things for granted, life for granted, or what we can get accomplished in our time here and he maximized that by giving to people in a lot of different ways,” Crankfield said.

Keyes also gave a lot to the community outside of school. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and sat on the board of the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis.