William “Bill” Clarence Brockett, aka Sonny, was born on January 12, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Casper and Oletha Brockett. They moved to New York shortly after his birth and Bill considered himself a native New Yorker. He received his education in the New York City public school system. Bill was influenced by and loved the culture of “The Big Apple”.
Bill enlisted into the U.S. Army in March 1951 and served during the Korean War. During his service, he was a paratrooper and played on the basketball team. While serving in Germany, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged as Corporal from the Army in March 1954.
In 1955, Bill joined the Metropolitan Police Department in the District of Columbia. Highlights of his career were serving at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and the March on Washington. While on the force, Bill and June Love went on a blind date. He fell in love with June and her girls and they married on August 10, 1968. Bill retired from the Metropolitan Police Department after serving 13 years. The family grew in 1969 with the birth of another daughter and moved to Columbia, Maryland in 1972.
Because of his love of cars, Bill started a third career with McLaughlin Oldsmobile, one of the largest black owned businesses in the nation at that time. Bill and June were ahead of their time when they decided that Bill would become a stay at home Dad to care for his daughters before returning to the auto industry later.
Bill treasured time with family and friends. He always had a smile and joke for everyone. He loved people and was very generous supporting anyone he saw in need, whether family, friend or stranger. He loved music, dancing, traveling, movies, bowling, playing cards, horse racing, and sports. He was very athletic, and despite taking it up in his 60s, he was a very good golfer into his mid-80s which he enjoyed with Donald and many friends. He loved his grandsons unconditionally and supported them in every endeavor to include all school and sporting events. He was a great cook known for his southern breakfasts, peach cobbler and homemade spaghetti.
Bill departed this life on June 25, 2020 after a life well lived. He is preceded in death by his beautiful and loving wife, June; and brothers, Jesse, Cassell, Billy and Derek. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Lisa, Lorri and Jill (Donald); grandsons, Miles and Joshua; brother, Kim (Jenny) and Lonnie. He is lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends of every generation. He will be so greatly missed by all.
Family will receive friends at Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045 on Thursday, July 2, 2020, from 10am to 12:30pm, where services will begin at 12:30pm. Interment Columbia Memorial Park. Due to gathering size limits there may be a wait to enter the building. Facemasks are required.
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