Brian Paul Willsie

Brian Paul Willsie, 66, of Maryland, passed away on December 12, 2023. Born December 24, 1956, in Ohio, Brian’s family moved frequently for his father’s career, living in Maryland, Delaware, and Kentucky before settling back in Maryland, where Brian spent his high school years in Rockville and later Frederick.

Brian began a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Navy in 1977, serving as a CEC (Construction Electrician) Chief with the SeaBees. During his service, he earned an associate’s degree in Architecture from Thomas Nelson Community College in Virginia. His Navy career took him around the world, including postings in Diego Garcia, Newfoundland, Scotland, Virginia, California, Antarctica, England, and Mississippi, before he retired in 1999. Following his Navy career, Brian worked in management at Bethlehem Steel from 1999 to 2006, before retiring back to Maryland.

Brian married Jean in 1980; they later divorced. In 1992, he married Linley, who was his wife of over three decades.

Brian was practical, funny, loving, and endlessly opinionated — a man who did things “The Willsie Way,” meaning if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing practically perfect, even if it took a little longer than expected. He could fix anything, loved working on cars, and approached every challenge with hands-on common sense. He was a lifelong learner, always researching something new, whether for a project, a purchase, or simply to satisfy his curiosity — with a particular love of military history and a keen interest in politics.

As a young man, Brian enjoyed shooting game birds with his .22 and fishing. Throughout his life he loved motorcycling and a good movie, and he never turned down a cheeseburger, oysters, or scallops — with extra mayo, always. His coffee was black, and his whiskey was neat. He liked things “squared away,” and he brought that same sense of order and care to looking after his parents and Aunt Janet after moving back to Maryland, visiting and helping them often.

Brian had a great sense of humor and loved a good practical joke, especially with his brother Mark. He treasured his close friendships with fellow SeaBees Marty and Larry, and with his “like-a-sister” friend, Janet.

Above all, Brian loved his family. He was especially proud of his daughter, Katy, admiring both her education and her career achievements. Becoming “Grandpa” when his granddaughter, Emilia, was born was the greatest gift of his life.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anita Willsie. He is survived by his wife, Linley; his daughter, Katy, and her husband, Christopher; his son, Matthew; his granddaughter, Emilia; and his brothers, Mark and Brett.

A funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on October 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Brian’s memory by treating yourself to something he’d have loved.