William U. Reybold III

Easton resident William “Bill” U. Reybold, III, son of William U. and Rosalie (nee Steel) Reybold of Newark, DE, died unexpectedly March 9, 2023. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 57 years, Nancy South Reybold; his loving sister, Patricia Gause; and brother, Walter Reybold. Born April 8, 1932, Bill graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor's of Science in Agronomy from the University of Delaware. He was a superb Blue Hen athlete on both the track and swim teams, receiving the Outstanding Athlete Award of 1954. In 2007 he was inducted into the University of Delaware Sports Hall of Fame. Bill also graduated with a commission as Army 2nd Lieutenant, serving two years as an artillery officer with the 5th Infantry Division and 11th Airborne Division in Munich, Germany, and Fort Ord, CA. After active service, he remained in the Army Reserve as a recruiter for West Point. He retired a Colonel in 1992. He went on from college to become a prominent soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture and began his career right here in Talbot County. He spent the bulk of his career in Washington, DC, trailblazing the digitization of soil surveys across the nation in the 1970’s. As National Leader for Soil Geography, he travelled globally sharing his extensive knowledge of soil mapping systems. He was Associate Editor of Soil Survey Horizons for 12 years. Upon retiring in 1989, Bill and Nancy returned to Talbot County where they happily spent the last years of their lives. During these years, Bill served on the Boards of the Waterfowl Festival, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage. Other volunteer work included with The Nature Conservancy, the Eastern Shore Conservancy, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. He was a member of the Tidewater Farm Club and served as secretary of the Easton Ruritan Club for 12 years. He enjoyed helping his artist wife hang shows in the local galleries and sailing competitively at the “Wednesday Night Races” in Annapolis. Bill was a warm, cheerful, and supportive family man, neighbor, and friend. He made all who crossed his path feel welcome and respected. He is survived by his brother-in-law, F. Gregory Gause; sister-in-law, Barbara South DiFrancesca; and six children, Will and Julie Reybold, Larry and Katie Reybold Leffler, Nathan Reybold, Tom and Mary Reybold Cook, Jack Reybold and wife Mary Ann Sorra, and Abe Reybold and husband Ernie Nolan. Bill is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Friday, March 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison Street, in Easton. Burial will take place on Saturday, March 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Georges Cemetery in Bear, DE with a reception to follow at Deerfield Golf Club, 507 Thompson Station Rd. in Newark, DE. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pickering Creek Audubon Center or the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (two of Bill’s favorite organizations), or to a charity of your choice.

William U. Reybold III

April 8, 1932 - March 9, 2023