Billy C. Wingate, 73

DAGSBORO - Billy C. Wingate of Dagsboro passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in the Berlin Nursing Home. He was 73.

Mr. Wingate was born March 29, 1934, in Frankford, son of the late William C. and Virginia Wingate.

Mr. Wingate was a marine pilot captain of a towing company in the New York Harbor.

In 1989, he and his brother bought two chicken farms in the Dagsboro area called Wingate Farms and retired in 2003.

Mr. Wingate served three years in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.

He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion.

Mr. Wingate loved life and enjoyed his home in Florida after his retirement.

He was also proud of his son and his two wonderful grandsons, who will truly miss him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Warren Wingate; three sisters, Ida Wingate, Pauline Quillen and Betty Derrickson.

Mr. Wingate is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Norma Lee (Evans) Wingate; a son, William Louis Wingate and his daughter-in-law, Holly; two grandsons, William Luke Wingate and Holden Selby Wingate; a brother, Lemuel J. Wingate; three sisters, Marie Mitchell, Grace Hudson and Faye Daisey; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Thursday in the Ocean View Church of Christ, West Avenue and Del. 26, Ocean View, where friends may call one hour prior.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Billy's name to The Building Fund at Ocean View Church of Christ, P.O. Box 1247, Ocean View, DE 19970.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.