William Lynn McColley

William Lynn McColley was born on January 31, 1985 to Lynn Alan and Karen Kimmel McColley, in Milford DE. He was the first of four children; with sisters Sarah, Mary and Catie to follow. Will’s maternal grandparents were; Dr. William D “Bud” Kimmel Jr. and Doris Gibson Kimmel. His paternal grandparents were William Henry McColley and Anna Holden McColley. All four were from Milford as well. 

Will was raised with a strong work ethic and was a major part of his family’s poultry and grain farming operation. He learned many diverse skills, including how to manage the growth side of their diverse family business. He was outgoing, fun loving, very athletic, and excelled in several sports such as baseball and football. While in Little League he hit home runs including a grand slam. In Pop Warner Football, Will received the Casey Lynch Award, which focused on community involvement as well as skills on the field. In high school, his passion turned to lacrosse. Will was instrumental in starting the JV and Varsity teams for MHS Men’s Lacrosse, where he became both co-captain of varsity Football and Lacrosse, and earned the Lacrosse MVP award. Later on he enjoyed coaching MHS Lacrosse until his career took him out of state. While doing well scholastically and in athletics, Will also earned the Boy Scout of America rank of Eagle, as well as several other scouting awards in the same troop, 102, as his maternal grandfather, a.k.a “PapaDoc.” 

Will chose to attend the University of Delaware and proudly continued the tradition of Blue Hens in his family. He majored in Business with a minor in Spanish. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there. One of his favorite memories was traveling on a study abroad to Panama with his sister, Sarah. UD is also where Will met his future brother-in-laws, Sarah’s husband Michael P. Kirby and Catie’s husband Michael D. Meck. He valued his relationship with them and all his friends. Will made the most of every day and traveled as much as possible. He has been to Canada, England, Ireland, the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, and all over the USA. Some of his greatest adventures were to the Grand Canyon, Machu Picchu, sky-diving, and to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa with his brother-in-law Mike Kirby and friends. 

While Will stayed active with the business side of the family operation, he excelled in a 15 year business career in the solar industry. He spent the last few years in a leadership role with Lumina Solar, where he enjoyed working with both his brother-in-law Mike Kirby and his sister Catie. Will spent his final years living in Philadelphia where he met the love of his life, Dr. Lauren Shreve, and proposed to her in his favorite place — the top of the world — on the rooftop of the Four Seasons Hotel. 

Will went to Heaven on July 7, 2024. He valiantly fought Glioblastoma brain cancer for 10 months. Will greatly appreciated all the help from the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff at HUP, the rehab center, and loved ones.

Will is survived by his parents, sisters and their families; sister Sarah and Mike Kirby with their children Ben, Joe, and Rachel. Also his sister Catie and Mike Meck, and his sister Mary McColley with another niece on the way. Will is also survived by his fiancee/wife Lauren Shreve and her family Barbara, Mark and Alan. Plus several wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of awesome friends. 

Will’s viewing is Friday 6-8pm at Rogers-Hovatter Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave. Milford, DE and on Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm at the Lighthouse Church, 347 Calvary Road, Milford, DE.

Will’s service will follow the viewing on Saturday around 1pm at the Lighthouse Church. His burial in Milford Community Cemetery will be right after the service and the local location for His Celebration of Life is to be announced. Will’s favorite holiday was July Fourth so patriotic attire is encouraged. 

Some of his favorite quotes were; “Carpe’ Diem” (Seize the Day!) and “Do It Now, Do it Now, Do it Now” and “Let’s Go!”. Will’s family encourages you to share your favorite memory of Will on his Rogers-Hovatter Funeral Home obituary page, and in lieu of flowers please select a plant or tree that will live longer. Another option would be to make a donation to; Children; Children and families first, Seaford house, https://www.cffde.org, or the American Brain Tumor Association, bit.ly/DonateABTA.