Gorton Haddaway McWilliams

Gorton McWilliams passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2025. He was born July 20, 1935 to the late Gorton and Audrey McWilliams. He was married to the late Patsy Jones McWilliams for 50 years. He always believed that he could not be blessed with a better family.

He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather to; a son Chet McWilliams and his wife LeAnn, daughter Heidi McWilliams Stout and her husband Frank, granddaughter Taylor McWilliams Mace and her husband Zach, granddaughter Emily McWilliams and her fiancé Mike Dodd, and great-grandchildren Peyton and Hallie Mace. In addition, he leaves behind the families of; the late Dr. Donald McWilliams, the late Rev. Samuel McWilliams, the late Lindy Jones, Molly and the late Roger Brake, Dick and Cathy Stout, and the Pritchett family.

Gorton graduated from Cambridge High School in the class of 1953. He earned varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation he was voted “Mr. CHS” by his classmates and selected best athlete by his coaches. After high school he attended the University of Maryland, graduating in 1957 having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He later earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from George Washington University. He worked for 41 years for the Dorchester County Board of Education as a teacher, assistant principal, and supervisor of Pupil Transportation.

He was inducted into the Maryland Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988 and a plaque honoring him hangs in Raven’s Stadium. He was also a first ballot inductee into the Cambridge South Dorchester High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, receiving the Coach’s First Undefeated Team, Pioneer Award.

Gorton was elected as a Cambridge City Commissioner representing Ward 1 and serving in the position for twelve years. During his terms he set two goals: 1) to develop Great Marsh into a park and 2) to develop the Cambridge Creek. He was happy to see that both goals were achieved. He also worked hard to build a first-class stadium at Cambridge South Dorchester High School which now bears his name. He enjoyed sports throughout his life, playing softball in his younger years and golfing for many years with friends whenever his schedule allowed.

He loved his Lord God Jesus and his family with every ounce of his heart.

A graveside funeral service, arranged by Newcomb Collins Funeral Home, will be held at the East New Market cemetery on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. and will be celebrated by Pastor Steve Bloodsworth. John Stackhouse, Doug Fleetwood, Dean Flowers, Frank Stout, Mike Dodd and Zach Mace will serve as pall bearers. Gorton was no fan of formal attire! In tribute to Coach, the family requests that all who attend please dress casually! Please wear comfortable shorts, tennis shoes, tee shirts / golf shirts, etc. If you were a former football player and still have your jersey, please wear it! In lieu of flowers please direct contributions to; Baywater Animal Rescue, 4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, CSDHS Hall of Fame c/o Debbie Walker, 2475 Cambridge Beltway, Cambridge, MD 21613 and Open Bible Academy, 1619 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613.

The family would like to invite everyone to the East New Market Fire Department after the graveside funeral service for fellowship and a celebration of life.