William Harrison Daisey Sr., former Nanticoke chief
William “Bill” Harrison Daisey Sr., 90, of Dover, passed away Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. Bill was best known as a three-term Dover city council member, vice principal at W.T. Chipman Middle School in Harrington, and former chief of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe.
Born Oct. 20, 1931, in Lewes, during the Great Depression, he grew up in the Lewes/Millsboro areas near Indian Mission Church. Bill was the son of the late Pearl “Florine” Daisey, who married Elmer R. Street, formerly of Harbeson, on July 18, 1939.
On July 26, 2014, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Corinne (Street), daughter of the late Clarence Albert Street and the late Martha Ann Street, formerly of Millsboro. Bill and Shirley were married March 25, 1951.
Bill began his formal education at Lewes Elementary School, the Hollyville School (Millsboro), and the Richard Allen School (Georgetown), but due to segregation laws, he could only obtain his high school degree by moving 90 miles away (staying with his grandmother) and attending Howard High School in Wilmington to complete his senior year. Appreciating the value of education and a trade, he would become a qualified journeyman in over eight different trades and would later earn, while working full time, his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Delaware State College and his master’s degree in administration from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in New Jersey.
He held several jobs as he worked to obtain his degrees, including auto engine mechanic, auto body/fender repairman, body shop foreman, aircraft painter, industrial painter, aircraft jet engine mechanic and engineering technician. His career in education began in adult education/training in New Jersey. In 1978, he accepted the position of vice principal at W.T. Chipman Middle School, later becoming transportation supervisor for the Lake Forest school district. Bill would also serve five years as deputy recorder of deeds for Kent County.
With a passion for public service, Bill volunteered to serve on various boards, commissions and organizations including chairperson of the Paulsboro (NJ) Recreation Committee, Gloucester County (NJ) Welfare Board member, president of the Dover Lions Club, president of the Lower Delaware Principals Association, Democrat committeeman, and vice chair of the Kent County Democrats.
Bill was elected to the Dover City Council in 1987, making him the first Native American and second person of color elected to the post. He would serve his district tirelessly for three two-year terms, including sponsoring and fighting against special interests to enact a city-wide smoking ban in restaurants in 1991 to help reduce city cancer rates, 10 years before the state would do the same. He also strived hard to create fair employment opportunities for all Dover residents.
His involvement with the Nanticoke Indian Tribe grew when he was first elected to the Tribal Council in 2004, and then selected assistant chief in 2008. Bill ascended to chief of the tribe in June 2013. Chief William “Thunder Eagle” Daisey would serve the tribe in “the biggest honor of my life” until stepping down in January 2016 due to medical reasons.
Bill fondly remembered attending the 1963 March on Washington, where he sat 25 feet from Dr. King, attending the 2008 inauguration of President Barack Obama, and the opening ceremonies of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. He especially enjoyed family gatherings and the annual Nanticoke Indian Pow Wows.
Bill is survived by eight children, William H. Daisey Jr. and his wife Linda M. (Washington) of Swedesboro, N.J., Sarah L. Minor and her husband Frank W. Minor III of Logan Township, N.J., Deborah A. Street and her husband Gordon W. Street of Dover, Darnell K. Daisey and his wife Lisa W. (Franklin) of Ashton, Md., Darryl B. Daisey and his wife Sari A. (Rosemond) of Garnet Valley, Pa., Aida “Mam” Binateeq and her husband Saleh Binateeq of Jedda, Saudi Arabia, Junina N. Sullivan and her husband Tyrone T. Sullivan of Dover, and Dionne L. Williford and her husband Evan O. Williford of Hockessin; 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 12 siblings, and a number of loving cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends. Along with his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by 17 siblings.
Funeral services will be held at noon, Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. A Dover viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, at Mt. Zion AME Church, 101 North Queen St., Dover. A Millsboro viewing will be held just prior to the funeral services, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4. Interment will follow the Saturday services at Harmony Methodist Church Cemetery, Inland Bay Road, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Nanticoke Indian Association or the Dover Lions Club.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
