William Roger Grant

William Roger Grant, (affectionately known as “Bootsie”), was born September 15, 1927, in Hustle, Virginia, to the proud parents, Joseph Mercer Grant and Julia Young Grant. William was the youngest of seven siblings (Joshua, Lucy, Maxine, Elmer, Cosmo, and Edgar), all of which have preceded him in death. William and his siblings grew up and worked on the farm with their father, Joseph, who raised a variety of crops to sell to market, to support the family. His mother, Julia, was an active church worker and a teacher in the schools of Essex County for twenty-five years.

William was educated in the Essex County Public School, and the Rappahannock Industrial Academy. After completing his studies at the Academy, William attended St Pauls College, located in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Later, William enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Medic overseas in Germany from 1950-1953. After returning to the states, William migrated to Washington, D.C., where he continued his education by enrolling in Howard University. There he pursued studies which led him to earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He worked as a pharmacist for People’s Drug Store, now known as CVS, in Washington, D.C. and Maryland until his retirement. William had a long and successful career as a pharmacist, during which he received many honors and awards.

Uncle Bootsie, as most of the family calls him, loved to tell stories, especially about his days back on the farm with his brothers. He also loved cooking fancy meals and traveling. He had special love for his four legged creatures, his dogs. Over the years he owned various breeds of dogs.

Though William was not a regular church attendee, he was a strong believer in God. He was formerly a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hustle, Virginia, Calvary Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C. and Christ Episcopal Church, Clinton, Maryland.

Within the last three years, William became an assisted living resident at Lilly’s Place, located in Waldorf, Maryland. There he met some new friends and house mates, Dianna, Mr. Roger, and Mr. George. At Lilly’s Place, he enjoyed spending time with his new friends and family, especially during special occasions, such as his birthdays and holidays. To the owner of Lilly’s Place, Melody, he loved you and we’re sure he would say “Thank You” and grab you for a big hug.

William departed this life on October 30, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memories, some special caregivers: his niece Phyllis Dickerson and her husband Lewis, his cousin Sandra Burrell and her son James. He also leaves a devoted caregiver at Lilly’s Place, Kay, who cared for and loved him dearly. William (Uncle Bootsie) is survived by his former wife, Eleanor Winston of Washington, D.C., and a new generation of his nephews and nieces: Elgin, Diane, Phyllis, Temple, Denyce, Michelle, Julian, Cynthia, Paddia, Pamela, Michael, Elmer, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on November 9, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, located at 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722.

The funeral service will follow at the same venue on November 9, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The service will be available via live stream at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25119336870756.

A committal service will take place on November 9, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery, also located at 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722.