Chestertown, MD - CHESTERTOWN [mdash] William Russell (Bill) Kirk Jr.

William Russell Kirk Jr. of Chestertown, Md., former president and CEO of Chester River Health System, peacefully passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving wife and his children. Born in Barton, Md., he was the son of the late William R. Kirk Sr. and Blanche (Turner) Kirk Warnick. Bill retired in 2008, following the merger of Chester River Health System with the University of Maryland Medical System.

In 1981, Bill joined Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital as an assistant administrator and in 1984, was named CEO. During his 27-year career, Bill created the Chester River Health System, comprised of Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital, Chester River Home Care & Hospice, and Magnolia Hall Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He received the 2004 Outstanding Rural Health Achievement Award for his accomplishments. Bill was recognized for his leadership and noteworthy initiatives in the development of community-oriented rural healthcare deliveries in Kent and Queen Anne's counties.

Outside of the hospital, Bill was honored to serve as a director for the Chesapeake Bank and Trust Company and the Chesapeake Bancorp boards for 31 years. He valued the camaraderie and personal friendships he shared with the board members.

Graduating in 1955 from Frostburg State College, Bill excelled in Frostburg sports programs. In 1996, he was inducted into the Frostburg Bobcat Hall of Fame. He was the first graduate to earn 12 varsity letters over four years in basketball, soccer and baseball. In his senior year, he served as Student Body President, was recognized by Who's Who, and won the Senior Leadership Award at graduation.

Following graduation, Bill taught mathematics at Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Md. and was also named Assistant Basketball Coach.

In 1957, he left teaching and joined PPG Industries as a programmer/production supervisor. In 1963, he began working at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, a subsidiary of Hercules Inc., as a technical recruiter. Soon after, he was transferred to the Wilmington Delaware Corporate Headquarters and was promoted to manager/senior supervisor for professional employment. Then in 1969, Bill returned to Cumberland and joined Memorial Hospital as personnel director and later served as assistant hospital administrator.

Bill was always a car enthusiast and kept each one meticulously clean. Aside from other models, Bill also owned 23 Corvettes, including a 1978 Silver Anniversary and an Official 1978 Indy Pace Car. As a former resident of Deep Creek Lake, he often visited his friends and family and enjoyed all the memories.

In 1988, Bill and his wife, Clara, developed the often photographed Ghost Farm. They maintained picturesque, white-fenced pastures and cared for Standardbred racehorses. He enjoyed mowing the fields and treasured the beauty of the farm from his tractor seat.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Bob) Kirk; sister-in-law, Darlene Kirk; their children, Rob Kirk and Susan Kirk; his sister, Virginia Mullen; his brother-in-law, Duke Mullen; his nephew, Scott Green; and his brother-in-law, Dave Hobel.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Clara, of 52 years; his daughters, Desiree Duff (John), Cary, N.C., Stephanie Long (Kenny), The Villages, Fla., and his son, William R. Kirk III (Robin), Cumming, Ga. He also had grandchildren who called him Pop Pop, Candi Toma (Michael), Colby Long (Keeri Hilp), Ashley Hiestand (Kyle), Victoria Hansen (Grant), Justin Duff (Alexa Winik), Hayley Duff, Josiah Duff (Emily), Brittany Kirk, Christopher Kirk (Kelly), and Steven Kirk. He was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Kay Hobel, Barton, Md.; a sister-in-law, Cathy Lohr, Oakland, Md.; and a brother-in-law, Herb Myers, Glenshaw, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

Having spent most of his life in the field of healthcare, Bill made a personal decision to donate his body to the Maryland Anatomy Board. At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617, or Chester River Health Foundation, 100 Brown St., Chestertown, MD 21620.