William Martin Shettle II, investment firm founder
William Martin Shettle II, 85, owner of historic Beverly Farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Pocomoke City, died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at his summer home in Rehoboth Beach. William was born Aug. 3, 1939, in New York City, to parents Emily McLean Shettle and Arthur Ferman Shettle, himself the son of celebrated artist William Martin Shettle, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
William was educated at the St. Andrews School in Middletown and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At university, William was a standout athlete as both a varsity tennis and soccer player. He would go on to be an accomplished competitor in, and diehard fan of, many racquet sports throughout his life, including competing internationally in court tennis and becoming an early pickleball enthusiast. Professionally, William was a successful investment manager, initially with the First Pennsylvania Bank, and later as founder and president of a private investment firm, Philadelphia Investment Management Group, which he ran for nearly 40 years.
William’s life revolved around his love for his family and his family estate, Beverly, a historically significant property built in 1774 and purchased by his parents in 1936. William spent his life lovingly restoring the old property, making it a home for the generations to follow.
William was an avid boater, an accomplished pilot, an animal lover, and a witty person who left a lasting mark on those he met. William engaged and entertained countless individuals through his storytelling, which centered around the vastness of his life experiences. Through his eclectic interests and hobbies, as well as his fun-loving and magnetic personality, he cultivated a deep network of friends spanning generations and geographies.
William is survived by his wife of 44 years, Renee Wellford Shettle; his daughters, Ann Shettle Hansen, Natalie Shettle Herter and Caroline Shettle Cullen; and his son, Arthur Ferman Shettle II. William is also survived by his sister, Sandra Wellford King; nephew, George Martin Shettle; and nine grandchildren.
To make a donation in William’s memory, visit the Worcester County Humane Society, worcestercountyhumanesociety.networkforgood.com/projects/75615-memorial-donations; or The Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City, Md., delmarvadiscoverycenter.networkforgood.com/projects/85700-annual-appeal.
