MYERS, JR., WILLIAM A.
1930-2024
William (Bill, Billy) Austin Myers, 94, of Cape May Point, NJ, and Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on Sept. 8, 2024, in the beloved home he built in Cape May Point.
Born in Indianapolis, IN, to the late William (Red) Austin Myers Sr. and Doris (Shainholdts) Myers, Bill was the younger of two children, predeceased by his sister Marilyn. At the age of 12, the family moved to Buffalo, where Bill sadly had to leave behind Scrappy, his cherished dog and kindergarten companion. Even at 94, he fondly remembered Scrappy.
Bill spent his summers with his Auntie (his mother’s sister) on the shores of Lake Ontario in Canada from ages 4 to 15. He adored Auntie, who was a powerful and loving influence throughout his life. She gave him the freedom to explore, fostering his natural curiosity and love for adventure, traits that remained evident throughout his years.
Bill earned his undergraduate degree at Bowling Green University and was soon after drafted into the Army during the Korean War, serving two years stationed in Georgia.
Following his Army service, Bill embarked on a long and successful career in business, spending the final 30 years of his professional life at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), where he rose to the position of Corporate Vice President of Human Resources. Bill was highly regarded at IFF for his directness, integrity, and his exceptional ability to relate to people in all positions. He was a trusted figure, known for listening and offering support.
In 1959, Bill married Peggy Gorla in Kenmore, NY, and together they had three daughters: Lisa, Stephanie, and Laura. The family lived in Westfield and Cape May Point, NJ. Bill’s career at IFF involved significant international travel, and he often brought Peggy along on his trips.
Bill contributed greatly to the communities he was part of, serving on various boards, volunteering for the Cape May Point Fire Department, local tennis clubs, school fundraisers, and sports leagues. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement and fully supported Peggy’s involvement in the feminist movement.
An athlete at heart, Bill often reminisced about his high school football career, cut short by an injury as the only sophomore to make the team. However, he continued to excel in sports, playing singles tennis and handball into his 80s, and even achieving national ranking in handball.
Bill was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He was the person everyone could count on in tough times, offering unwavering support, good humor, and compassion. His dry wit, sardonic sense of humor, and long and steady presence will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
Bill is survived by Peggy, his wife of 65 years; his daughters Lisa (son-in-law Tim Loucks), Stephanie, and Laura; his grandchildren Austin, Hannah, Jake, Michael, William, and Nathan; and two great-grandchildren, Julian and Danika.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to The Cape May Animal Shelter in Cape May Court House or Animal Outreach in West Cape May, in honor of his beloved Scrappy.
A celebration of Peggy’s and Bill’s lives will take place together at the Overlook restaurant in the Cape May Ferry Terminal on November 23rd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A private inurnment for Peggy and Bill will take place on November 24th at Cold Spring Cemetery in Cape May.
