William Sawtelle Ratchford II

Bill was born June 24, 1932 in Baltimore, MD, to William and Margaret Ratchford and his excited big sister Harriet. Bill spent his childhood days in Baltimore City and summer days on the Magothy River and in Bethany Beach, DE. He graduated from Poly High School in 1950. Bill also spent time at the Maryland School for the Blind, where his family was actively involved in the school’s leadership. His wife, Nancy, was a teacher there as well. He had a deep affection for the school and became an advisor as well as an active board member until his death.

Bill was a dedicated public servant. He served as the Director of the Maryland Association of Counties and was later appointed Director of the Maryland General Assembly’s Department of Fiscal Services. Known affectionately as “Ratch” by colleagues, Bill developed a professional nonpartisan fiscal staff agency to support the State’s policy-making process and provided wise counsel to both Legislators and staff, earning him the respect of all who worked with him. He guided the State through the recession of the 1970’s and the Savings and Loan crisis of the 1980’s, all while helping to retain Maryland’s valued AAA bond rating. Bill was known as Maryland’s “chief fiscal watchdog.” He also mentored countless young adults with their future career choices. He was recognized as one of the most effective and influential fiscal staff directors in the Country. After retirement from the State in 1996, Bill acted as a consultant for Baltimore City.

Bill and Nancy have two daughters, and the family spent many happy years at their home on Whitehall Creek in Annapolis. For as busy as he was with work, Bill never missed a school event or any activities that his girls were involved in. Both daughters were married on the Creek, and Bill loved having two wonderful sons-in-law. His most prized nickname became “Bop” … he loved his three “talented” grandsons as he often called them. Picking crabs on the porch, making homemade ice cream, and playing rounds of poker with his grandsons were some of his greatest joys. He and Nancy attended all of their school events and had a keen interest in their education. It became a tradition for the whole family to vacation together at his beloved Bethany Beach each summer. He and Nancy spent their winters in Key West, Florida. They loved meeting other snow birds and enjoying the warmer weather.

Bill had a fabulous distinctive quality, perhaps above others, which was that he made all others feel that they counted; they had something to say, and HE wanted to hear it.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy; daughters Linda Hesford (Tim) of Annapolis, MD; and Wendy Rhoe (Kris) of Chester, MD; and his three grandsons, Timothy and Michael Hesford and Collins Rhoe. Bill is also survived by beloved extended family, friends, and former work colleagues who all have kindly reached out over these last few months. His family is very grateful and, in addition, appreciative of the care he received from Ginger Cove Retirement Community and Hospice of the Chesapeake.

We are so grateful for the overwhelming support from everyone who has reached out to us. We have decided to honor Bill with a private family gathering. It is our hope that in his memory you will carry on his life long love of family and service to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Maryland School for the Blind in memory of William S. Ratchford II. The school’s address is 3501 Taylor Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21236.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on this website.