MILTON - William F. "Bill" Betts passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at home. Bill retired from General Foods and had worked in the shipping department. He was a veteran of the Delaware National Guard, where he served 20 years, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Bill was involved with the Delaware State Fire Police and served as Captain of The Milton Volunteer Fire Co. Fire Police, and was a lifetime member of the Milton Fire Department. He enjoyed NASCAR and was a fan of Jeff Gordon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia (Elliott) Betts Esposito; his father, George Betts; Mom and Pop Burton; two sisters, Joyce Jordan and Debbie Parsons; and his beloved dog, Cody. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years; Dixie (Hayt) Betts; three sons, Skip Betts and wife Kristi, Chris Betts and wife Cheryl, and Kevin Betts and wife Gladys; seven grandchildren, Wendi Walsh Betts and husband Billy, MaryBeth Betts Peet and husband Steve, Will, Chris, Cory, Kevin Jr., and Kylie Betts; eight great-grandchildren: Huntley, Teagan and Dixie Walsh, Remington and Colton Betts, Kayla, December and Willow Betts; a brother: Mike Esposito and wife Karen; and two sisters: Darlene Bryants and husband Douglas, Patsy McNatt and husband Karl. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton, with visitation after 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Henlopen Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Milton Fire Department, 116 Front Street, Milton, Del 19968.