W. Gerald Willey, veteran, founded Willey Knives 

W. Gerald Willey of Greenwood passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family who he deeply loved and who loved him.  Gerald was born in Milford to the late Walter James and Lelia Willey. 

Gerald served his country proudly in the U.S Navy during the Vietnam War.  In the Navy, he served as a cook which he thoroughly loved, and carried that love for cooking with him for the rest of his life.  After his discharge, he worked as a civilian as a cook and diet tech at Dover Air Force Base Hospital, which he did for 25 years.  He was also the owner and operator of Willey Knives which he started in 1970.

In his younger days, Gerald loved to shoot pool and shoot guns.  He enjoyed strolling around the beach and enjoyed packing up the family every Saturday night to walk the boardwalk.  He loved to tell stories, especially about his days in the Navy.  Above all, he loved his family and his church, Church of God of Prophecy in Seaford.  His family was always his priority.  The customers at the shop were like his second family and he loved each and every one of them, and his skills and selection were always sought out.  He was a staple for years in the surrounding areas for local restaurants as he provided sharpening services for all their cutlery.  Gerald genuinely loved working in the shop and making knives.  He was always well loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be forever missed. 

In addition to his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Willey. 

He is survived by his daughter, Geri Elliott; son, Matthew (Stefanie) Willey; grandchildren, Gracie Elliott, Faith Elliott, Bryce Willey, Rachael (Ty) Short, Howie (Paris) Hammond and Megean Sluter; brother, Steve (Brenda) Willey; and extended family.

A funeral service for Gerald will take place at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 31, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Visitation for family and friends will start at 1 p.m.  Internment will be private at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org; or to Church of God of Prophecy, 22699 Bridgeville Hwy., Seaford, DE 19973.