Beloved Annapolis Resident and World War II Veteran William ‘Billy’ Keyes Dies at 104
William “Billy” Keyes of Annapolis, a World War II veteran, retired public school teacher, former police officer, artist, and devoted community ambassador, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was 104. According to the Library of Congress , Mr. Keyes served in World War II with the historic 761st Tank Battalion. After the war, he returned to civilian life, working as a police officer in Washington, D.C., and later spent more than three decades teaching in the Anne Arundel County Public School System before retiring. Related: The Log Book Project | William “Billy” Keyes Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad said she first met Mr. Keyes in 2021 during the posthumous honoring of Deputy Sheriff George Phelps, Jr., the county’s first African American officer. Chief Awad recalled Mr. Keyes' charisma, quick wit, and generosity, sharing afternoons listening to stories of his military service, teaching, art, love of plants, and insights on histo...
