William (Billy) Eugene Vogelson III

William (Billy) Eugene Vogelson III passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Billy is survived by his loving wife, Isabel Vogelson, and two children, Isabel Cecile and Wheeler, along with his parents, Cecile M. Mattingly and William E. Vogelson Jr., and stepmother, Elizabeth Paine.

Billy was born on May 5, 1980 in Washington D.C. He was a loving and devoted son. Billy's call to serve others began at an early age while attending St. Ann Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. Billy graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School in 1998, Saint Joseph's University in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree in Labor Studies, and St. John's University in 2012 with a Master's Degree in School Building Leadership.

Billy devoted much of his life to others, specifically engaging with students through his work as a Campus Minister at St. Francis Prep in Queens, New York and Marist High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Billy encouraged his students to expand their horizons and how they think about people and communities. Billy demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, volunteering multiple times after major disasters like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Superstorm Sandy on Long Island to help rebuild homes. Beyond disaster relief, he extended this dedication by leading students on multiple service trips, including meaningful projects in Camden, New Jersey.

Billy and Isabel married in 2009. They met in 2000 at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia during a service immersion spring break trip, and then reconnected again post college in New York City. After they were married, Billy and Isabel first settled in Queens, New York but then moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2013. They welcomed Isabel Cecile in 2012 and Wheeler in 2014. Billy was a loving husband and devoted father, spending many hours at various youth sports over the years as a coach and his kids' biggest fan. Billy loved spending time with his family, going to the beach, going to concerts with Isabel, fishing, and watching and attending sporting events with Isabel Cecile and Wheeler. Billy loved nothing more than sharing a laugh with his two beautiful children and his wife, Isabel.

Billy was also a great and caring friend, and he brought positive energy to every interaction that he had, even with people he barely knew.

Billy's faith and spirituality were evident in his involvement in his church community at Kirkwood UCC. Billy started the Youth Group for KUCC in 2019, and he ran the Sandwich Ministry from 2023 thru 2024.

Billy willed himself to survive for eight-and-a-half years after receiving a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, all so that he could be there for his family. His strength and courage were an inspiration to those who knew him.

Billy's legacy is one of love, service, and resilience. He lived with a generosity of spirit that touched countless lives-whether through his teaching, his volunteer work, or the simple kindness he showed to friends and family. His family and community will carry forward his example of faith, courage, and joy.

Billy's family and friends will gather on December 13 at 1pm at Kirkwood UCC for his Celebration of Life Service.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Billy's name to:

Kirkwood UCC, where Billy served as Youth Minister and volunteered for sandwich ministry https://www.kirkwooducc.com/give.html

Camp Kesem - UGA, where Isabel Cecile and Wheeler go to an overnight camp for a week with other children whose parents have cancer https://donate.kesem.org/give/265398/#!/donation/checkout