Obituaries
William Edward Way, Sr., 72
May 07, 1951 - July 09, 2023
William Edward Way, Sr., 72, of Lancaster, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in York, he was the son of the late Willie J. and Helen (Simpson) Way. He was the loving husband of the late Jo-Ann (Stokes) Way, who died in 2021.
Bill graduated from William Penn High School in 1969, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as a standout football player. Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and then his master’s degree in education from Penn State University. Bill was one of the first African American male teachers in the Lancaster School District where he taught at both Price Elementary School and Hamilton Elementary School until his retirement. Bill was also inducted into the J.P. McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame as one of the coaches for the 1988 football team.
Bill was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. An avid sports fan, he loved football, basketball, and baseball. His favorite teams were the Baltimore Orioles and the Miami Dolphins. In his retirement years, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard, pickleball and cornhole. Most importantly, Bill loved his family and spending time with them.
Bill is survived by his two sons: William E. Way, II, husband of Yazmin, of Lancaster, and Brandon J. Way, Sr., husband of Tameeka, of Lancaster; 5 grandchildren: Leinady Vazquez, Treis William E. Way, Luis Vazquez, Brandon Way, Jr., and Brionne Way; and siblings: Gina M. Folk, wife of Robert, Terry Way, Larry Way, husband of Vernita, all of York, and Blaine M. Way, husband of Ann, of North Carolina. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Shelton Way.
Funeral Services for Bill will be held at 11AM, Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Family and friends will be received at the church from 9AM until 10:45AM, followed by the Omega Psi Phi presenting a brief ceremony at 10:45AM. Interment will follow the services at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
July 29, 2023
Dear Bill and Brandon, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. “Nanny” babysat both of you on Hillside Ave. The two of you referred to my parents as “Nanny” and “Pappy”. Recalling many great times spent with all of you on Hillside Ave. Your father is now “Home” with your mother and all other loved ones who have went before. God’s healing power will comfort you and your families during this difficult time. Sicerely, Sam Field
July 22, 2023
Dear Brandon and the whole Way Family,
Judy and I were so saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Please allow us to extend our most sincere condolences to all of you. What adventures Joel and I had with you and your Father over the High School and College years as well. Basketball – JP McCaskey, Keystone Games with Vern, and that tournament you and Joel played in with the Cedar Crest guys; Football – JP McCaskey, PSU and Towson; Track & Field – JP McCaskey … what fond memories I have of hanging out with Bill and being such proud parents of you and Joel. Bill was a good friend, genuinely funny, and a great companion whether sitting in the bleachers rooting for our boys or riding in the van to another game for Vern. Judy and I have some wonderful memories of being with your Mother and your Father as proud parents of our “boys.”
The “sting” of your Father’s death is quite harsh and painful right now, but your loving memories will soon help you to remember the joyous times you all had together. May I share some words of comfort that have helped me thru times such as this? … GOD in love has promised grace for every trial, strength for every sorrow, help for every mile, and may GOD in sympathy and unfailing love impart help for each tomorrow and new courage to your heart. … “Cast your burdens upon the LORD, and GOD shall sustain you; the LORD shall never allow the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22) … “Cast all your cares upon GOD, for the LORD GOD cares for you.” (1st Peter 5:7)
Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers, and may the LORD GOD bless you and keep you; the LORD GOD make HIS face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the LORD GOD turn HIS face toward you and give you peace.
In HIM and HIM alone,
Judy and Fred (Holler)
July 22, 2023
An honor to have spent time listening to another legendary individual. His children are exactly as respectful with integrity as Mr. Way. My condolences to the family, Mr. Way soul is alive in our hearts. God bless him and his family.
Councilwoman, Diaz
July 21, 2023
I got the chance to meet Mr. Way when I was very young at Price Elementary then later on he was my coach at McCaskey. My deepest condolences to The Way family. Rest in paradise Coach. Billie and Brandon you shared your father with so many of us and we are forever grateful.
Shawn Kemmerer
July 21, 2023
The Way family, So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Lindemuth family
July 19, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Bill Way at Hamilton Elementary School. Great man, father, and teacher!
Keith Carroll
July 19, 2023
I got to meet Mr.Way when I was a student manager and later on the staff of JPM where he taught with Mr. Danz and later Mr. Neal. I never knew or respected anyone such as Mr/Coach Way. I never said it , but I held Mr. Way in respect, was that he was such a great man, a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Although I never told him, I just want his family to know, that I admire a man of character such as he was and am saddened by not only your loss but by the people who were influenced but never got to say how much. God bless.
Wise
July 18, 2023
To a wonderful teacher who cared for every one of his students. May he rip. Mr Way your gonna be missed by many people most importantly your beautiful family.
Toni Sherrer
July 18, 2023
To My Family,I am so broken right now for the lost of my big brother,I loved him so much and I will truly miss him.He was a great brother,father,friend,and husband to his wife.Rest easy my brother,until we meet again.Your Sister Gina
July 17, 2023
Hey guys let me tell you my friend Mr way and I worked together for many years what a great man.so junior and brandon if you need anything come see me ok luv you guys. Ps.billy Jr you just reach out ok.
John shelton
July 17, 2023
God bless the Way family. Sorry for your loss. Prayers and Love 🙏❤️🙏
Wilfredo lozano
July 17, 2023
To the Way Family,
Bro. Way played an instrumental role in my life and career. As a teacher in School District of Lancaster, I remember Bill’s support for me and the McCaskey Gospel Choir. He and Mrs. Way were big supporters of their sons. Since their son, Billy was a member of the choir (Yes, Billy can sing), the Way parents were right their supporting Billy and all the other choir members.
Mr. Bill Way was also an excellent example to me of a father, husband and educator. I always wanted to be great at all these things, and he showed me – perhaps unknowingly – that it was possible. He coached his sons, and even encouraged my boys as they took on athletic pursuits as little guys.
Finally, I loved his sense of humor and smile. Bill seemed to be in love with life, and you can see that same passion in Billy and Brandon.
We’re keeping you all in our prayers. Try to rest in the knowelege that your Dad touched more lives than any of us will ever know. ❤️🙏🏾❤️
Dr. Irvin Scott and the Scott Family
July 17, 2023
Words cannot express the feelings inside of me, Bill was a wonderful teacher, and a friend to many. Praying for his wonderful family, his children felt like my children, football, basketball.
Barbara Cameron
July 17, 2023
Way Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Coach Way was my coach @ JPM
Kenny Myers
July 16, 2023
First and foremost I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Coach Way back at JPM from football in the 1980’s and later reconnecting with him on Facebook. He was the consummate gentleman but always ready with a joke or a smile of encouragement. I can still hear his laugh all these years later. He was always without question the sharpest dressed guy on the team. He had a style about him that set an example for all of us to aspire to. May his memory live on in your family and all the lives he has touched over the years. He was a great man, gone far too soon. May his memory always be a blessing. Brian Sauders
July 16, 2023
I did not know Mr Billy Way Sr, but I was a coworker of Billy Jr, years ago. After reading his obituary, sounds like Jr is very much an extension of who his father was. So sorry for your loss. My condolences and prayers to the entire Way family. May God comfort you all and bring peace to your spirit. David Figueroa
July 15, 2023
My Condolences to the way Family Billy and Brandon Always cherish the beautiful memories you both had with your wonderful parents they both were great people and both of you had the blessing to have such Great Parents who I’m sure are Rejoicing in heaven with God’s angels. Mr way will always be in our hearts & never forgotten ❤️ mayra mercado
July 15, 2023
Coach Bill Way I will forever be grateful for your kindness, support and strength. Thank you so very much for sharing your time and family with me 🤲🏿 Victor Muhammad
July 15, 2023
Dearest Brandon and Billy. Sending our Condolences and Love to you both. I will continue to pray for both of you. May the Lord Bless you in your grief journey. I have always been very fond of both of your parents. We go a long “Way” back. Good memories from my early 20’s. 🙏🏾❤️ Sherry Lupton
July 15, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Way’s family. Mr. Way was one of the best teachers I had the opportunity to encounter. I still remember his Say No to Drugs sign he made us read every day, and how he would make us write a page of the dictionary if we got in trouble lol. May his legacy live on through his children and grandchildren. May the Way family find comfort and peace in all of the amazing memories made. Amanda Watson
July 15, 2023
He was my sons teacher at Hamilton Elementary and what a wonderful teacher and man…..so sorry for your loss…. Sandy Burkhart
July 15, 2023
To my long time good friend, thru our Jr high & high school & afterwards, you will be missed. rest on my brother❤️ Gwen Johnson Estwick
July 15, 2023
I worked with Bill Way at Price Elementary. We started our careers almost at the same time, and for a few years we taught next door to each other. Bill was an easy and fun person to work with. He was kind and his students adored him. He made a difference in many young lives. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to Bill’s family. May his memory be a blessing. Sherry Ostroff Sherry Ostroff
July 15, 2023
Sending prayers n prayers to Billy/Brandon and Way family members. I regret that I will not be able to attend Bill funeral because my mother has a medical follow-up scheduled for Saturday morning. Bill n I often talk n laugh at McCaskey during the time he was performing his security duties at the football/basketball games. He was a person who I know he will be missed by so many people. Earl Papa Boots
July 15, 2023
My Condolences to the Family! From The Lewis Family Towanda C Lewis
July 15, 2023
First and foremost I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew him so well as Coach Way back at JPM for football in the 1980’s and later reconnecting with him on Facebook. He was the consummate gentleman but always ready with a joke or a smile of encouragement. I can still hear his laugh all these years later. He was always without question the sharpest dressed guy on the team. He had a style about him that set an example for all of us to aspire to for sure. Bill’s sons both remind me a lot of him and all those great memories from years ago. I know how hard this time is, but I know Coach will live on in your family and all the lives he has touched over the years. He was a great man, gone far too soon. May his memory always be a blessing. Brian Sauders
July 15, 2023
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Way. I met him at Price Elementary and if it weren’t for him, I was ready to throw in the towel with school. He took the time to work with me and I knew back then he had compassion. To see a person that looked like me and teaching gave me hope. Then I ran into him again in McCaskey and he never changed. Everytime I seen him, we spoke and joked. He was definitely one of the real ones. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Billy and Brandon keep your heads up. Much love!!! Leon Robinson Sr
July 14, 2023
My teacher in price he was amazing I loved him for sure mr way you will be deeply missed Elliot torres
July 14, 2023
My condolences to the Way family. Mr. Way was my favorite teacher!!! He made attending Price elementary fun and memorable. Mr. Way is the reason I love math, I use to struggle with math but he showed me how easy it can be. I went on to succeed at math and took on accounting and business management all thanks to him. I can still see him sitting at his desk tapping his pen with a big smile on his face. He will be missed dearly. Tonya Hafner (Harris)
July 14, 2023
May I express my condolences to the Way family upon the passing away of Bill Way. Bill was an all around great guy, outstanding athelete, became a great teacher & educator, was an early African American student at Millersville University, paving the way for others, & became a great family man. I always valued our conversations & interactions. Richard W. Allen
July 14, 2023
Bill was a good man, went to York High together. George Jones
July 14, 2023
I will cherish the memories of cousin Bill. He was an upright man who truly loved his family. He always had encouraging words to say every time I spoke to him. He was soft spoken but mighty in his walk. Rest on my cousin you’ll at peace and will be missed. You are now with your Queen. ❤️🙏🏾 Family hold on to the memories your parents taught you well. Love you Ramona Holloway (Mona)
July 14, 2023
Uncle Bill, I will miss you and Aunt JoAnne. Sleep in Heavenly Peace you and your Love ❤️ are back together again. ❤️🥲 Cliffonda Stokes
July 14, 2023
I’m mourning that your body gave way to the calling of our Father GOD, HE will hold you in HIS arms until we meet you there, say hello to all the family, Billy you were such a quiet spirit, stayed the same always, sleep on until! Kitty 💔
- Visitation
- Saturday, July 22, 2023
- 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
- Bright Side Baptist Church
- 515 Hershey Ave.
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, July 22, 2023
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Bright Side Baptist Church
- 515 Hershey Ave.
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
