William Matthews Bristow Sr.

Williams Matthews Bristow, Sr. entered into eternal peace on January 25, 2019 at the Doctor's Community Hospital, Lanham, MD.  Born on August 5, 1921, in Fayetteville NC, he was the only child born to Bertha Andrews Bristow and William John Bristow.  At the time of his passing, he resided in Capitol Heights, MD.  William, better known to family and friends as "bill" or "Billy", received his early education in the public schools of Fayetteville, N.C.  During his youth he became a Member of First Baptist Church on Franklin Street, which he frequently attended with his Grandmother Janie Andrews.  Attending secondary schools in both Fayetteville and Asbury Park, NJ, young Bill graduated from E.E. Smith Senior High School in Fayetteville, NC.  Upon graduating Bill matriculated to North Carolina A & T College where he majored in Chemistry and where he was initiated into, Alpha Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.  As a lifetime member, he epitomized the purpose of the fraternity and achieved in every field of endeavor of his life until called to join chapter invisible of his noble fraternity.

Before completing his studies at North Carolina A&T College, Bill was conscripted into the United States Army to service his country during World War II (WWII). While serving in the European Theatre, he became Communications Chief for the 165th Chemical Company and was responsible for supervising the installation and maintenance of all communications equipment for his Unit. Following WWII, Bill completed  his education at Howard University; graduating in 1949. Upon graduation he accepted a position with the United States Postal Service as a railway postal clerk who processed "Registered Mail;" which, in 1949, was a premier position for and African American in the Federal Government. His career with the United States Postal Service spanned more than 40 years.

Earlier in life, on clear days, Bill enjoyed day long fishing trips on the Potomac River with his friends and coworkers. He was a compassionate person who cared for his wife during an extensive illness when both were middle aged; and, nearly 30 years later, cared for his mother until her death. He loved animals and often was the custodian of pets belonging to other family members. While caring for his mother, he even fostered a friendship with a squirrel who lived in  a tree adjacent to his mother's home. He called the squirrel "Chucky". Chucky would hop on the front porch daily to devour the peanuts he provided for him. Bill also was an aficionado of may sports. He could explain the rules and regulations for any sport including golf, tennis and hockey; and, he could name all the players on his favorite sports teams. His favorite sports were basketball and football - and he was a Redskins fan. In addition to loving sports, Bill was a music enthusiast who had an appreciation for all types of music. His favorite music genre was smooth jazz.

Bill enjoyed the quiet life and seemed never to let anything bother him. He enjoyed family and close friends and he savored familial activities; particularly at times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the 4th of July. He was an avid reader who daily read all sections of the Washington Post Newspaper. He delighted in solving crossword puzzles and would read the Reader's Digest from cover to cover. And, until he was unable to do so, he really enjoyed a daily walk from his home to the Addison Road Metro Station and back; which was a 4 mile trek.

Bill and his wife, Adelaide McAllister, had 67 wonderful years together before her death on September 4, 2010. They were blessed with a son and a daughter.

William M. Bristow, Sr. was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed. He leaves to cherish his memories a son, William M. Bristow II (Hazel Holloway) [Vienna, VA]; a daughter, Delia G. Bristow [Largo, MD]; a granddaughter, Candice A Bristow [Takoma Park, MD]; cousins, Cecilia Andrews, William Andrews, June Andrews [Long Island, NY], William "Bill" Andrews, III., Kai Andrews [Clearwater, FL], and Robert "Bobby" Nesmith [Mitchellville, MD]; close family friends Tommy and Florence McDaniels [Washington, DC]; neighbors and coworkers.