William O. Hults

William O. Hults, age 80, of Forked River, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024 to join his beloved wife of 42 years, Marsha, in Heaven. Born in Long Island, New York, Bill had been a resident of Bayville and Forked River for almost 48 years. Although he had different roles in law enforcement throughout his life, often as “investigator” or “instructor,” Bill’s most favorite and proud role was “Dad”—and a “dad” he was to so many who knew and loved him. But more on that in a moment…

Receiving a “full ride” soccer scholarship to the University of Maryland after high school, Bill played D1 soccer for the Terrapins for a few years before returning home to help care for his ill father. Taking a job with the New Jersey State Police so he could be closer to his family, Bill faithfully served the organization for 22 years. He was an instructor at the Academy in Sea Girt, often teaching his specialty: Title 39 – Motor Vehicle Law. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant, and also served as the Station Commander in Hightstown.

It was during this time that Bill met the love of his life on a blind date at the Yankee Clipper in Sea Girt. Neither Mom nor Dad had high hopes for this meet-and-greet. They both almost decided to ditch the date early; thankfully, the Lord had other plans! On the anniversary of their first date, Bill proposed to Marsha and they married a short few months later in April of 1977. They kept their faith in the Lord as the cornerstone of their marriage and served various churches together over the span of their 42 years in love.

Embodying an expression he often shared with us kids, Dad “kept chippin’ away” at his college degree, determined to finish even while working full-time. And finish, he did—slowly, surely, persevering through eleven years of night school at Rider University to complete his Bachelor’s Degree. This would be no surprise to those of us who know him—there’s not much Bill Hults set out to do that wasn’t done with the utmost diligence, determination, strength, and steadfastness.

After his tenure with the State Police, Bill explored his entrepreneurial side, opening his own business with the help of his wife. “William O. Hults, Private Investigations” handled all kinds of neat requests. However, Bill’s true expertise was in accident reconstruction, and he was often specifically called in to consult for various motor vehicle accidents. Dad also did Security detail for DB Kelly, Newport, and others.

His career path later transitioned to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, to serve once again as an Investigator in the Fraud Division. Though this role focused on investigating many insurance fraud claims, Bill utilized his wonderful teaching skills in multiple outreach programs to serve the senior community, giving talks, making videos, and meeting with folks to teach them how to avoid scams and protect themselves. He finally retired in the summer of 2010.

While his work experience was clearly quite extensive, Bill’s most cherished role in life was as a devoted husband and father. He epitomized the word “Dad,” and he truly became everyone’s dad. A firm believer in the love of Jesus Christ, our Dad embodied everything his faith taught him. If you called him in a panic, a calm voice would reassure, “I’m on my way.” If you needed help finding something, “Detective Dad” would find it in no time (not to mention that the “Human GPS” he was could get you anywhere you needed to drive—while also warning you of specific locations of potholes!). If you were too weak to stand (literally or emotionally), Dad would carry you. If you were distressed, Dad would comfort you. In third grade, we were tasked with developing a fire escape plan for a homework project. Sure enough, “Super-Dad,” our hero—without hesitation, matter-of-factly stated with a wry smile, “I’M the fire escape plan.” And he meant it—he would be your safe way out of a burning house even if it meant putting himself in grave danger. The number of sacrifices he made for his family could never be measured. He and Mom were the ultimate “American Dream”: coming from very little, yet providing more than their children could have ever imagined for themselves.

Dad lived a beautiful life; first and foremost, he adored Marsha and the life he created with her. The two lovebirds enjoyed sitting on their front porch soaking in the sea air, sharing morning coffee and afternoon wine for “happy hour,” and taking in radiant, glorious sunrises and sunsets. They adored their children, attended every function in which they were involved, and championed their every move. Dad also loved all kinds of movies; some of his favorites included Casablanca, Overboard, Sleepless in Seattle, Six Days Seven Nights, Christmas Vacation, and It’s a Wonderful Life, just to name a few. He was passionate about music—particularly movie soundtracks that swelled with emotion, as well as hit songs from various artists of the 1950s and 60s. Horse racing was yet another hobby, and whether he was watching the Kentucky Derby, or some of his own horses race, Dad somehow made all around him excited about his passions, too. Teaching us to “always do your best” and to “save your pennies,” our beloved Dad was the greatest example of love that we have ever known. His sense of humor was unparalleled and his playful nature was threaded through most of his interactions with people, as he loved to tease, cajole, and bring others to very hearty laughter. Everyone seems to have a “Bill Hults story”; perhaps one is coming to your mind at this very moment!

Continuing his incredible legacy are his beloved son, Billy Hults, Jr.; his precious daughter, Elizabeth “Tess” (Hults) Elko; two ever-devoted son-in-laws, Michael and Andrew; four siblings, Elsie, Helen, Walter, and Warren; brother-in-law, Raymond; many nieces and nephews; friends, colleagues, and countless others who have been blessed enough to be in the presence of this man for even just a few moments.

Ever the organized, fastidious, detail-oriented planner, Dad even left us kids an “instructions” note for after he passed... In it, he reminded us of his great love for us, to be good to one another, and to be happy because he is happy—reunited with Mom. He reiterated one of Mom’s favorite sentiments: “it is well with my soul.” Dad’s unconditional love for his children and so many others was fierce, deep, and unyielding—truly something to be awed.

Please join us in celebrating his “wonderful life” on Monday, November 25, at Mastapeter Memorial Home in Bayville, NJ. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7pm, with an invitation for anyone who wishes to share cherished memories or reflections of our beloved Dad. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or a similar organization of your choosing. 

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