William C. Beiser Jr., lover of birds
William “Bill” C. Beiser Jr., 96, died peacefully at his Seaford home Saturday, May 3, 2025. He was born in 1928 in Nashville, Tenn. At the age of 6, he moved with his family to Seaford, where his father began work on the construction of the new DuPont Nylon Plant.
Bill attended Seaford schools and later enrolled at University of Delaware, graduating with a master’s degree in biochemistry. During several summers in graduate school, he conducted early genetics research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Mass. He also attained the rank of lieutenant through Army ROTC and completed two years of reserve duty.
In 1951, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Grace Walker, a University of Delaware graduate in elementary education. The couple returned to Seaford, where Bill began his lifelong career with DuPont as a chemist. He eventually retired as a senior research chemist. Bill and Grace’s marriage endured for 70 years until her passing at 92.
Bill discovered a passion for distance running, completing his first marathon on his 50th birthday and going on to run 24 more, along with many shorter races. He became affectionately known as the “Guru” of running on the Eastern Shore, long before the sport gained widespread popularity. When running became too hard on his legs around 65, he turned to swimming, competing into his 80s with the Delaware Senior Olympics and winning many gold medals in his age group.
Following his retirement, Bill and Grace joined their son Mike and his family on several legs of a year-and-a-half, 6,000-mile sailing journey. They later spent time ranch-sitting near Cuernavaca, Mexico, and embarked on a car-camping trip through Europe. They also enjoyed many trips to Key West, Fla., visiting their daughter Chris and birding in the Everglades.
Bill was later recruited by DuPont to consult internationally, setting up basic chemistry labs and training staff in developing countries. He and Grace lived abroad for extended periods in China (where he was treated as a dignitary), Indonesia, Venezuela, and Mexico.
He held many interests dear, including birding, scuba diving (especially in the Caribbean), and visiting his daughter Anne and son-in-law’s waterfront place in Newfoundland, particularly enjoying the Skerwink Trail. In recent years, daughter Cindy has always been at his side, and he also found joy in the company of his caregivers, who both challenged and comforted him.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Beiser (Walker). He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Chris, Cindy, Mike (Teresa) and Anne (Brent); and his grandchildren, Laura, Tyler and Genoa. He leaves behind countless kitchen table stories and a legacy of calm, wisdom and generosity.
In his memory, those who knew Bill are invited to tell a story, take a long walk or run, or simply sit in stillness, just as he would’ve wanted it.
A private memorial will be held later. Bill generously donated his body to University of Delaware Physical Therapy Department’s Anatomical Gift Program.
Memorial contributions may be made to Nanticoke Senior Center, 1001 W. Locust St., P.O. Box 406, Seaford, DE 19973; or Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club, 310 Virginia Ave., Seaford, DE 19973.
