Bill Amos

     Howard (Bill) Amos—A Life of Service to his Country

     Bill Amos, a distinguished intelligence professional and long-time officer of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2024, at the age of 81.  He was born in 1943 in Washington, DC and raised in nearby Prince George’s County. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Bill earned a B.A. with a major in geography, setting the stage for a remarkable career dedicated to national security and intelligence.

     He joined the CIA shortly after graduation and a six-month training period with the Naval Air Reserve, where he served simultaneously for six years.  Bill served the CIA with honor for 39 years at the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC), the imagery intelligence arm of the CIA.  He was known for his exceptional analytic skills, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to duty which earned him many awards and a nine-year liaison tour at the National Security Agency. His work took him around the globe, where this quiet hero collaborated with international partners to pursue projected joint endeavors and share intelligence. He retired as a Senior Intelligence Officer.

     For the last 20 years of his life and particularly after retirement, Bill developed a passion for genealogy, teaching classes on the art of genealogy at local senior centers and facilities and inspiring people to learn more about their ancestry. Bill also had a commitment to community.  He loved Miller’s Grant and eagerly sought to serve its residents. He diligently led walking groups around the campus and founded the package delivery service.

     In addition to his professional achievements, Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marcy, his son Bill, his daughter-in-law Erin, and his granddaughter Rachel.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Benevolent Fund, c/o Director of Philanthropy, Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, 9000 Fathers Legacy, Ellicott City, MD 21042.