William K. Wattenbarger, Midway Tire founder

William K. Wattenbarger, 99, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie, in September 2017, and his son, Roy, in February 2018.

He was born in Tennessee June 26, 1920, to the late John and Flora Wattenbarger.

Mr. Wattenbarger was a farmer in Tennessee who came to Delaware and worked in the hosiery mill for many years.  In the 1960s, he, along with his wife, established Midway Tire and Home Supply, now known as Midway Tire.

A long time resident of Lewes, he was well-known in the community as “Bill,” who never hesitated to talk with everyone about his days in Tennessee.  He had a great love and knowledge of cars, as well as gardening. He enjoyed canning and freezing his vegetables, riding his tractor and giving customers a good deal on tires.  

Mr. Wattenbarger is survived by his son, Kim Wattenbarger of Cary, N.C.; daughter-in-law Sue Wattenbarger (Roy) five grandchildren: Wendy LoBato (Dante), Kelly Seabrook (Ivin), Gretchen Randazzo (Joe), Stephanie Judy (Jon), and John Wattenbarger (Natasha); as well as 11 great-grandchildren.  He will be missed dearly by his family and all who knew him.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.

Please visit Mr. Wattenbarger’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.