William R. Coverdale's Obituary
William "Bill" R. Coverdale, age 91, of Bridgeville, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2012 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Farmington, DE, June 12, 1920, son of the late Nelson Coverdale and Marian (Cooper) Russum.
Mr. Coverdale was raised in Greenwood and he attended Farmington High School. He married the love of his life, Doris and they made their home in Bridgeville where he was an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was awarded numerous honors, including a Purple Heart. He owned and operated G.E. Jones, Inc. Plumbing and Heating; he was under contract with the Town of Bridgeville and was known for keeping the town up and running. Following retirement in 1985, he discovered a passion for bus driving and for the next 20 years drove for the Jor Lin bus company in Milford, DE. He was a member of the Grange in Cannon, Whirl-A Ways, the Moose Lodge, a 40 year member of the Bridgeville Fire Department, and a Member of the American Legion in Seaford. He was an expert marksman and he loved skeet shooting. He loved his family and spending time at his home in Oak Orchard fishing and enjoying the outdoors. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Doris J. Coverdale; two brothers: Walt and Cooper Coverdale; his grandson, Logan Chickarilla; and his lifelong friends, Frank and Margaret Ann Vican. Mr. Coverdale is survived by two daughters: Terry L. Coverdale-Chike and her husband Stephen of Bridgeville, DE and Cheryl L. Wright and her husband Brian of Felton, DE; two sisters: Susanne King and her husband Richard of Milford, DE and Becky Weaver and her husband Lonnie of Colorado; five grandchildren: April Ann Mansfield, Ryan Boyce, Alecia Nichols, Craig Hastings and Riley Hastings; fourteen great-grandchildren: Scott, Xander, Willow, Shianne, Elijah, Megan, Alissa, JR, Hannah, Jayden, Peanut, Desaree, William and Abigail; and his faithful dog Deek, a boxer who was always with him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at Bridgeville Cemetery, Bridgeville, DE.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713.
Please sign Mr. Coverdale's online guestbook at this memorial webpage.
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