William Gheen Cheyney, ‘Captain Bill’

William Gheen Cheyney, 80, passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born Jan. 27, 1938, son of the late Jacob Roland Cheyney and Sophia Schroeder Cheyney.

Mr. Cheyney was a retired vocational teacher of auto and diesel mechanics for the Delaware County School District in Pennsylvania.  After earning his captain’s license, he purchased a boat, named her STEPHANIE ANNE after his late daughter, and began operating charters out of Lewes.  The wheelhouse for the boat remains in use as part of the Overfalls Lightship Museum in Lewes.

Capt. Bill was a proud champion of the annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin competition.  He also spent many hours volunteering for Beebe Healthcare at the Treasure Chest Thrift Shop.

Mr. Cheyney was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia; and daughter, Stephanie Anne.  He is survived by three children: Cynthia (Terri) Cheyney of Runnemede, N.J., Susan (Jack) Cheyney-Dudo of Folcroft, Pa., and Richard (Jennifer) Cheyney of Clarksville, Tenn.; two grandchildren: Tyler (Aryn) Cheyney of Coatesville, Pa., and Cody Cheyney of West Chester, Pa.; Carol Lappie, the mother of his children, of Lewes; a brother, Peter Cheyney of Washington Crossing, Pa.; and his beloved pets Corre, Rusty and Spooky.

A Celebration of Life for Capt. Bill will be held Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent in his name to Beebe Healthcare, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes DE 19958.

Please visit Capt. Bill’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.