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William Henry Prettyman IV, Homestead Campground founder

August 31, 2018

William Henry Prettyman IV of Jensen Beach, Fla,, formerly of Harbeson, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, in Jensen Beach.  He was the son of the late William H. Prettyman III and Esther (West) Prettyman.

Bill was born April 6, 1930.  He attended Georgetown School in Delaware, where he played football and was in the high school band.

After graduation, Bill attended Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, where he met Irma McColley from Marcus Hook, Pa. Bill and Irma later married and returned to Harbeson to join his father in the farming business. Bill was later elected as Sussex County Clerk of the Peace. He and his wife decided to open Homestead Campground in Harbeson. After many years of running the campground, Bill and Irma later retired to Jensen Beach.

While living in Delaware, Bill was a lifelong member of the Delaware Farm Bureau and a member of the Ruritan Club in Harbeson. After moving to Florida, he was a member of the Port St. Lucie Power Squadron in Jensen Beach and the Ventura Billiard Club. He painted pictures for the yearly Ventura fundraiser. Bill was always very generous to those in need. He played his saxophone in a group at various functions. He decorated and drove his boat in the Christmas Parade in 2016.  He bought bicycles every year and donated to Toys for Tots. He was loved by everyone he met, and is really missed. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Annabelle Wollaston; and brothers-in-law Robert Wollaston and Richard Marvin Ingram.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Irma Prettyman; sisters, Patricia Ingram of Lewes and Koretta Prettyman of Georgetown; and brother James Prettyman of Palm Springs, Calif., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Rehoboth Beach.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members and his little dog, Chica.  

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 9, at 2 p.m., at Harbeson United Methodist Church, 18647 Harbeson Road, Harbeson.  Interment will be in Harbeson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Harbeson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 45, Harbeson, DE 19951.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.

  

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