William L. Bird Jr., veteran, lifelong trucker

William “Bill” L. Bird Jr., 95, of Millsboro, and formerly of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. 

Bill was born Oct. 24, 1928, in Wilmington, to the late William L. Bird Sr. and Isabel R. Bird. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Thomas Charles “Butch” Bird; and a sister, Aline Schenck.

He graduated from Henry C. Conrad High School Class of 1946 and honorably served in the U.S. Marines. He was a lifelong truck driver and drove for Diamond Ice and Coal, Gulf Oil Co., and retired from Townsends Poultry.  

Bill was an avid golfer. He golfed nearly every day after retirement and was proud of his 42 holes-in-one at Midway Par 3. He also enjoyed fishing, being on his computer, and managing golf scores and statistics. He was a member of a dart league and American Legion Post 28. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine Mardella Bird of Millsboro; three sons: Jeffery L. Bird (Phoebe) of Smyrna, Richard L. Smith of Newark, and Marshall J. Smith of Kauai, Hawaii. He was also blessed with three grandchildren, Christina Hathaway (Brian), Nicholas Bird and Veronica Bird; as well as two great-grandchildren, Dominick Bird and Ava Hathaway.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Interment will be private.

Visit Bill’s Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at watsonfh.com.