Louis Ashley McWilliams, 83, of Severna Park, MD, passed away on November 13, 2024. Born on January 10, 1941 in Baltimore Maryland, he is the son of the late, John L. McWilliams and Margaret E. McWilliams (nee Wilson).

Lou is survived by his beloved wife, Natella McWilliams (nee Gray), his sister, Linda M. Welch, his children: Robert McWilliams and wife Gin McWilliams; Milik Gray, La'Queen Jones; Cindy and Gail McWilliams, nephew, Jason Welch, mother-in-law- Cleo Gray, sisters-in-law; Nicole Gray, April Fraling and brother-in-law Darrick Fraling. Grandchildren: Starla, Derek, and Logan. Greatgrandchildren: Alexis, Gage, Braeleigh, and De-Lani, God-child, Shresse Jones, great aunt, two aunts and one uncle, as well as a host of family and friends.

He was predeceased by his daughter: Patricia McWilliams, Shelly McWilliams and Quentin Jones.

"Lou" as he was fondly called had a special love for trains. His mom would take him on the train as a young child he kept saying "uchen". Which she finally after much questioning found out that he was describing the movement of the train.

Lou worked as a fireman and then as an engineer for Pennsylvania Railroad, which went bankrupt, but the company was bought by Conrail and later Amtrak. He retired in 2004. He loved his work and the employees, that became close friends over the years.

His favorite hobbies include playing pool, fishing, crabbing, gardening (he had a green thumb), cooking, chopping down the biggest trees for firewood, old western movies, VFW events, spending time as a family man and just enjoying life. Lou was a true fighter when it came to living. He fiercely tried to fight every illness that came his way and fiercely tried to overcome. He will be missed by all.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday November 21st from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Barranco Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park MD, 21146. A funeral mass will be held the following day, Friday November 22nd at 11am at St. Andrew by the Bay Roman Catholic Church, 701 College Parkway Arnold MD, 21409.