Wilson 'Dick' Catts, Rehoboth entrepreneur
Wilson "Dick" Byard Catts, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. He was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Milford, son of the late William Hazel and Emma (Fuchs) Catts.
After graduating from Felton High School in 1948, Mr. Catts attended prep school at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Md. Shortly after, Mr. Catts honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, during which he received the National Defense Service medal and Good Conduct medal.
Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Denver where he received his bachelor's degree in education.
He continued his education, receiving his master's in education from Central Michigan University. After completing his education, Mr. Catts began a lifelong career as a teacher.
He taught at several schools in the Milton and Rehoboth Beach areas. Mr. Catts would complete his teaching career in the Seaford area, where he would retire in 1989.
Since the age of 12, Mr. Catts enjoyed spending time at the local beaches. This love of the beach led him to eventually become part of the family business, Catts' Beach Service. His summers were spent working the family business and would eventually lead to his becoming sole owner. Mr. Catts was an entrepreneur at heart and loved the interactions of everyday working.
Mr. Catts enjoyed traveling with his family and escaping to Bonita Springs, Fla., for some sun and even to sell an umbrella or two. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, beach boy and dear friend to all who knew him; he will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Catts was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph and Harry Catts. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Connie Catts; three sons: J.P. Phillips and his companion Claire Aiello of Milton, Rusty Catts and his wife Kim of Rehoboth Beach and Ricky Catts of Rehoboth Beach; his daughter, Sharon Figun of Dewey Beach; and his six grandchildren: Nicholas Wilson Figun, Garrett Byard Catts, Chandlee Danielle Catts, Morgan Kathleen Catts, Ashley Elizabeth Catts and Blake Russell Catts.
Due to impending snow and icy conditions on Monday, funeral services for Wilson "Dick" Catts will now be held Wednesday, March 5, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call starting at 10 a.m. Friends may also call at the funeral home Tuesday, March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow funeral services at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Catts' memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or a charity of your choice.
