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William (Bill) Merle Hitchens Sr., retired driver

June 13, 2018

William (Bill) Merle Hitchens Sr., 70, of Millsboro peacefully slipped away Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at home with his loving wife, Marabella Hitchens, at his side. Bill was born Oct. 14, 1947, in Milford to the late William (Bill) T. Hitchens and Anna P. Purnell Hitchens.

Bill worked for 37 years at Townsend Inc. and Mountaire poultry plants. In 2009, he retired from Mountaire as a jockey driver.

He attended William Henry High School in Dover and William C. Jason High School in Georgetown, completing the 11th grade. On Dec. 31, 1970, he married the love of his life, Marabella Hall. From this union, they had a son, William M. Hitchens Jr. Bill enjoyed fishing, playing the guitar, singing and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William T. Hitchens and Anna P. Purnell Hitchens; sisters: Patricia Purnell, Evelyn Hitchens, Catherine Hitchens, Dorretta M. DeShields and Norma Pennewell; and a brother, Lawrence Hitchens.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Marabella (Hall) Hitchens; his son, William M. (Luann) Hitchens Jr.; brothers: Melvin (Martha) Hitchens of Magnolia, Clarence Monroe (Jennie) Hitchens and Ralph Winbush of Long Island, N.Y.; sisters: Elva Hitchens of Milford and Sheena Hitchens of Long Island; granddaughters: Brittany Thomas of Georgetown, Alexa Hitchens of Savannah, Ga., and Emoni Hitchens of Arkansas; mother-in-law, Betty Hall; brothers-in-law: Glendon (Bonnie) Hall of Millsboro and Everett L. (Haven) Hall Jr. of Delair, N.J.; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends include: Jesse Murphy, Henry Stokes, Lester Sunkett (recently deceased), and Larry Miller. Also he leaves behind man's best friend, Chico.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call from noon till 1 p.m., for a time of viewing and visitation. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to VITAS Hospice, 30265 Commerce Dr., Suite 202, Millsboro, DE 19966.

 

 

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