Albert Haines Boddy, 84

NEW CASTLE - Albert Haines Boddy, departed this earthly life on Monday, March 10, 2008, at the Parkview Nursing Center. He was 84.

He was born in London Grove Township to the late Clarence A. and Annabelle Haines Boddy.

Albert, also known as "Gabby or Shorty" attended the London Grove Township School District.

He went to work for the Madison Doughtery mushroom growers.

He worked various jobs and shortly afterwards, enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 8, 1943, at Fort Meade, Md.

Albert was a rifleman. He loaded, aimed and fired rifles to destroy enemy personnel in battles in the South Pacific.

He also dismantled, repaired and re-assembled the weapon when necessary.

He camouflaged himself and his weapons for concealment from the enemy.

Albert dug and lived in foxholes for the greater part of two years.

He received an honorable discharge on Jan. 23, 1946, with a Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, two Bronze Stars and a World War II Victory Medal.

He was a member of the St. Thomas AUMP Church in Glasgow. He was on the trustee board. He also sang in the senior choir, male chorus and the new birth gospel singers.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed watching television - especially WWF wrestling, roller derby and "All My Children."

Albert also loved to play cards. He was a jack of all trades and a master of none.

And usually when he did all these things, he always had a glass of homemade iced tea.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Malcolm, James, George and Robert Boddy; four sisters, Mildred, Pearl Boddy, Della Lee and Myrtle Brown; and one daughter, Helen Haines Boddy.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rosemary L. Boddy; his children, Kathrine Benning (Edward), Albert Mallard (Patricia), Clarance Mallard, Judy Whyte, Tammi Williams (Leroy), Bryan Boddy (Jackie) and Nicole Boddy; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; six brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday in the Wings of Faith, 91 Christiana Road, New Castle, where friends may call two hours prior to the services.

Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.