William Ralph Kess, was affectionately known as ''Pee Wee'' by family and friends. He enjoyed life and learned easily to navigate life's challenges. He was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System. William enjoyed automobiles, fishing, visiting with family and friends, playing cards and bowling. Pee Wee loved to tinker with cars and he did this with every automobile he owned. He loved to talk about sports cars. Among those he owned were a classic 1968 Camaro and a 1970 Nova. His dream, however, was to own a new sports car. He had pictures of classic cars, along with pictures of family and friends, on one wall of his room. He loved to drive and for many years, he made his livelihood as a truck driver for several trucking companies. Fishing was another of Pee Wee's avocation. On many occasions he would catch his fish and return home to cook and enjoy his bounty in the same day. Ever an optimist, even after it was determined that he was terminally ill, he looked forward to being able to go out fishing again. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and especially with Cousin Dorothy Wiliams and her famiy. The Williams were as close to him, and he to them, as his biological famiy. If either of his sisters was to look for him, the first place they would call would be Cousin Dorothy or members of her family. He was proud of his daughters and spoke highly of their successes and enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. Pee Wee was also a very sociable person and enjoyed being with people. He loved playing cards especially spads and pinochle. Pee Wee also loved bowling and shared both card and bowling with his sister Pat. And when it came to dancing he could cut a rug with the best. William never ventured far from his religious upbringing. During his youth, Wiliam attended Hall United Methodist Church where his grandfather and uncles had been members. In later years, he attended various churches with friends. In July this year, he joined John Wesley United Methodist Church where his sisters and aunts are members. While sick, he looked forward to visits from Rev. Diane and would ask that she come by to pray for him. Pee Wee very stoically accepted the greatest challenge of his life on learning that there was no cure for his illness. However, he was never heard to complain but looked forward to and enjoyed visits from family and friends. During this time he strengthened us, his family and friends, by his peacefulness; it surpassed all understanding. He was heard to console others by telling them to not worry about him, that he was all right. On August 22, 2007, after a gallant fight with prostate cancer and surrounded by loved ones, William transitioned from this world. William was preceded in death by his parents Blanche R. Kess and William A. Fisher. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Leola; daughters, Toni and Tina; grandchildren, Donae and Ira Samuel, Monique Norman, and Tyrese and Tyrone Davis; step-daughter, Nicole Venable; sisters, Rosalie K. Gaither and Patricia A. Henson; sisters-in-law, Inez Craddock, Patsy Ringgold and Darlene Jones; brothers-in-law, George E. Gaither, Jr., Walter William Henson, Sr. and Thomas Ringgold; aunts, nephews, Mark and Michael Hill, George Emory Gaither III, Walter and Justin Henson; great-nephews, Brendan and Matthew Hill, Tyreeq and Justyn Henson; extended family, cousin Dorothy Williams and family; and a host of other relatives and friends.