Commander William
W. Pickrum, 73
CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Commander William W. Pickrum joined his heavenly father and a host of family and friends in heaven on Thursday, April 15, 2021.
Commander Pickrum attended Henry Highland Garnet High School in Chestertown, Maryland. He was selected as the third African American to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy and graduated with honors in 1970. After a distinguished decorated 22-year military career as an Officer, Commander Pickrum, earned several commendations for his life saving accomplishments as a Coast Guard helicopter rescue pilot.
Later, he also served as a professional commercial pilot, small business owner, County Commissioner, Deputy Director at the State of Delaware Office of Management and Budget, and at Delaware State University he served as a Program Manager and Adjunct Professor in Aviation and Political Science.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Dr. Vita Pickrum; two children, Martin and Gena; and three grandchildren; brother, Marvin Pickrum (Rose); and a host of additional family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for a donation to the Commander William W. Pickrum Endowed Scholarship Fund at Delaware State University (Click on Give Now (desu.edu) or mail check to Delaware State University Foundation, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901).
Services will be held as follows: April 30, 2021, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Public Viewing – Chestertown, Maryland, Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 855 High Street, Chestertown, Maryland 21620. May 1, 2021, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Public Viewing – Dover, Delaware, Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 West Division Street, Dover, Delaware 19904.
A private Celebration of Life service will be held for family and invited guests only.
Guestbook may be signed at www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home - Dover, Del.