Rev. William Flood; led children's agency
The Rev. William E. Flood, 92, formerly of St. Davids, a military chaplain and later the director of a Baptist children's agency, died Friday, April 29, of complications from cancer at Shannondell at Valley Forge.
The Rev. William E. Flood, 92, formerly of St. Davids, a military chaplain and later the director of a Baptist children's agency, died Friday, April 29, of complications from cancer at Shannondell at Valley Forge.
He had lived at the retirement community since 2003.
Born in Cleveland, the son of Frederick James and Jane Heidorf Flood, Dr. Flood was an identical twin. He and brother Wallace graduated from Eastern Baptist Seminary in 1945. While there, Dr. Flood met Ella Moore of Moorestown. The two married after he graduated.
Because of a medical condition, Dr. Flood joined the Air Force Reserve, although he saw active duty as a chaplain in 1953, stationed with the 465th Troop Carrier Wing in France. Later, he served an isolated tour of duty in Keflavik, Iceland, and then became one of several chaplains at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington.
Dr. Flood received the National Defense Medal in 1953 and the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1959 for engaging servicemen in religious activities. In 1962, he became a retired reservist, but was recalled to assess the morale of U.S. airmen on bases in Vietnam and elsewhere. He was recognized for that work with the Oak Leaf Cluster in 1981.
In 1968, he received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Eastern Baptist Seminary. He worked as the endorsing agent for military and institutional chaplains at the American Baptist Convention in Valley Forge until 1971.
From 1976 to 1982, he drove a school bus for Radnor Township. Perhaps his favorite job, it entailed transporting disabled children to their special placements and elementary pupils to and from school.
"The children came to call him 'Mr. Bill,' " his family said.
Dr. Flood was recruited in 1973 to serve on the board of Baptist Children's Services Inc., an agency serving at-risk children and teens in residential settings. He became its paid executive director in 1999, retiring in May 2008 at age 84.
At his retirement luncheon, Dr. Flood said having free time meant he could watch TV, though he was appalled by the many appeals for funds to aid homeless animals, but not children. "Are puppy dogs and kitty cats more important than the kids among us?" he asked those assembled to honor him.
In 1990 and again from 1995 to 1996, Dr. Flood served as the interim pastor of the Baptist Church in the Great Valley.
"He was known for his extemporaneous speaking style and his messages of God's love," his family said.
Dr. Flood's wife died in 2014. His twin died in 2007.
He is survived by son William C.; daughters Cheryl Christakis and Jane Maganas; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Baptist Church in the Great Valley, 945 N. Valley Forge Rd., Devon, Pa. 19333. Burial is private.
Donations may be made to the Angel Fund of Baptist Children's Services Inc., 718 Arch St., Suite 500-N, Philadelphia 19106, or to the church at the address above.
610-313-8102