William Thomas Eskridge, 96

TANGIER ISLAND, Va. - William Thomas "Captain Will" Eskridge, 96, dear Dad and Tangier Island's oldest resident, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2007 at his home.

Born on Tangier Island, Jan. 26, 1911, he was a son of the late Ira L. and Bertha Crockett Eskridge. His wife, Mildred Pruitt Eskridge, preceded him in death on July 22, 1976.

He was a waterman and a member of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Tangier Island.

He is survived by four sons, Ira Lee Eskridge II, Allen Dale Eskridge, William Thomas Eskridge Jr., and James W. Eskridge; two daughters, Shannon Eskridge Bunner and Mona Eskridge Marshall; 25 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Cpl. Warren Reed Eskridge, who was killed in action in Vietnam Jan. 28, 1969; and a brother, Warren R. Eskridge.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Swain Memorial U.M. Church on Tangier. The Rev. John Jones, Strickland Crockett and William T. Eskridge Jr. officiated. Burial was in the Spence Family Cemetery on Tangier Island.

Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Swain Memorial U.M. Church, Tangier, VA 23440.

Arrangements were in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield, Maryland.