William L. 'Bill' Blades, 78

SEAFORD - William L. "Bill" Blades, of Seaford, passed Saturday, April 19, 2008, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, Salisbury, Md. He was 78.

He was born June 24, 1929, in Atlanta, son of the late Willis and Nellie (Sammons) Blades.

Bill worked for the Easton, Md., Police Department before spending most of his life as an agriculture inspector for various companies, including Cargill in Seaford, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Farmers Grain and Seed and Nagel Farm Service.

He enjoyed rabbit hunting, harness racing, playing cards, watching crops grow and picking produce to give away to others. He also loved to tease his family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Thelma (Zinn) Blades, whom he married in 1952; a son, Scot Blades and his wife Sandy of Williamsburg, Va.; a daughter-in-law, Dawn Blades of Laurel; a sister, Jeanne Marvel and her husband Donald of Greenwood; two step-granddaughters; and four step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins, one who was like a brother to him, Bobby Cordrey; two aunts; an uncle; three nephews; and four great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, William L. "Billy" Blades Jr., in 2006; a granddaughter, Kilby Blades, in 2004; and a sister, Mary Mae Dillard of Seaford, in February 2008.

Following cremation, services will be private at Bill's request.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802; or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.