William "Bill" Andrew Dorsey

He was born in Huntington, WV, on September 30, 1946, to the late Andrew Brooke and Mary Edna Newman Dorsey.

Leaving behind to honor and cherish Bill’s legacy are his wife of 40 years, Mary Ellen Breen Dorsey, daughters Kimberly of Wilmington, NC and Heather Dorsey of Washington, DC, brothers Jack (Connie) Dorsey of Warwick NY, and John (Judy) of Huntington, WV, as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Richard, and so many longtime friends.

Bill was a proud graduate of Marshall (College) University and had a stellar career with the U.S. federal government starting in 1966 as a GS-3 Clerk with the Veterans Administration in Huntington WV and retiring as a Senior Executive with the Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (EIA) in Washington, DC in 2003. Over the years, Bill worked for many Presidential appointees from both political parties to ensure they could accomplish their Administration’s priorities without showing up negatively on the front page of the Washington Post.

In 2009, Bill and Mary Ellen moved from Alexandria, VA to Carolina Colours (New Bern) where they made a life with new friends and neighbors, including his fellow bridge players from the Neuse River Bridge Club. Over his lifetime, Bill achieved the rank of NABC Master with the ACBL. Many would say Bill was a “Renaissance Man” as he loved every facet of life and was knowledgeable in many areas. It was not unusual to find him in his study, sitting in his leather chair, watching a sporting event with the TV muted, listening to classical music, the Metropolitan Opera, New Orleans Jazz, or Beach, Boogie and Blues on the radio. He loved to read and had an extensive library with books of all genres. As a Libra, Bill often referred to himself as a “lover of truth and beauty”. Bill was kind to everyone he met and was often heard acknowledging one’s misbehavior with “it doesn’t make them a bad person”. Bill will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In honor of Bill’s wishes, a private Celebration of Life with friends and family will be held. Memorial donations may be made to Craven County Hospice, PO Drawer 12610, 2818 Neuse Blvd, New Bern NC 28561 or Marshall University Foundation Inc, 519 John Marshall Drive, Huntington WV 25703 (give.Marshall.edu).

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and other staff who cared for Bill over the years, the staff at CarolinaEast Health System, the staff of Craven County Hospice who provided excellent care and support to him and his family in his last days, and the caring staff of Cotten Funeral Home. Thanks to the many family members, friends, and neighbors who provide continued love and support.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of William "Bill" Andrew Dorsey.