William Michael Cherry

William "Bill" M. Cherry, 76, of East Berlin, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully in his home on March 03, 2025, surrounded by his family, after battling a short illness. 

Bill was born on August 06, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan to Patrica Mae Morrow (Hovis) (of Arkansas) and Ralph M. Cherry (of Kentucky). 

Bill attended both Avondale High School and Brandon High School and graduated in 1966.

His childhood consisted of the cautionary tales and adventures that legends often embellish as they get older. His favorite stories were those that consisted of walking to school, in 2 feet of snow, uphill, both ways, when his kids were complaining about how "hard" something was; trying his hand as a daredevil and jumping the Zilwaukee draw bridge and burning down the "Old Man's" barn on the farm and why you should NEVER play with matches. The official story was that his brother, Richard, burnt it down, but we all knew that Dad was likely right there with him behind that barn. If you know, you know. 

After graduation, Dad attended both Michigan State and Oakland University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in 1977. He was enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1978. He was commissioned to Lieutenant in San Franscisco, California shortly after and proudly served until he retired in 1990. After Bill retired, he continued to serve with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years with his late wife, Anne L. Cherry (Jones). 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Mae Morrow (Hovis) and Ralph M. Cherry, his brother, Richard L. Cherry, his wife of 34 years, Anne L. Cherry (Jones), and several close friends that he served with and enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing golf with in retirement. Bill always taught the standard protocols when hunting "Big Deer", however, he often deviated from those protocols and yet, managed to still slay the big buck much to the chagrin of his friends and son. If you know, you know. 

Bill leaves behind a loving sister, Jamie Draper (Cherry) and husband Ken Draper (Kentucky), sons, Michael S. Cherry and wife Nichole Cherry (Redlich) of Goodrich, Michigan, Bryan M. Cherry of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, Kurt Smith of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and his daughter, Andrea D. Cherry and husband, William M. Burkle of Kingwood, Texas. In addition, he leaves behind several grandchildren that he was very proud of and who will miss him immensely including Lauren Cherry, Allison Cherry, Gavin Cherry and Matthew Cherry of Goodrich, Michigan and Lilianna Cherry and Aiden Burkle of Kingwood, Texas.

The family is grateful for the doctors and nurses who skillfully and empathetically cared for Bill and his family in his final weeks and days including Dr. N. Korgaonkar, Wellspan Gettysburg, Visiting Nurse Katherine, Wellspan Homecare, Home Health Care Aides Tanya and Samantha from the Deanie Taylor King Personalized Home Care, and Melissa from Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster, Pennsylvania who ensured Bill was comfortable and surrounded by his children and family in his last days. 

The family also wishes to thank the many close friends and extended family members who surrounded Bill's family with love and support during his final weeks and days. Your presence, support and prayers were felt by each of us. 

In accordance with Bill's last wishes, no funeral services will be conducted at this time. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date following cremation.