William Albert Jefferson Sr., agricultural salesman

William “Bill” Albert Jefferson Sr., beloved husband, father, Pop Pop, and friend, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 at Tidal Health Nanticoke Hospital with his family by his side.

Bill, as he was known to many, was born Sept. 19, 1946, son of the late George Washington Jefferson and the late Margaret Frampton Jefferson.

Bill attended Bridgeville High School; during that time he began his career with Messick and Gray in Bridgeville. He served a short stint in the U.S. Army before returning to Messick and Gray as an agricultural salesman for over 54 years. Bill loved his job, so much so that he would continue to work even after his retirement in 2019. Throughout his career he would travel the country, sparking a long-standing involvement with the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, where he served on the recruiting committee and was inducted into the GEAPS Members of Distinction in 2016 for his years of service.

Bill deeply loved the Bridgeville community and found ways to be involved through many different roles. He served on the Bridgeville Town Council, Apple Scrapple Committee, and was known to provide assistance in any other role that he may be called upon. One role in particular would be Santa Claus during Christmas in Bridgeville. He loved to welcome children of all ages to hear their Christmas wishes and spread cheer. Apple Scrapple held a dear place in his heart, as you would always see Bill riding in a golf cart with his beloved dog Molly greeting people and attempting to stir up trouble. He so enjoyed meeting new people and spending hours talking with them; he truly never met a stranger.

Bill was known to be a master craftsman, with exceptional woodworking skills and attention to the finest detail. He built benches for the town for Apple Scrapple, created heirloom furniture pieces for his grandchildren, and countless other one-of-a-kind pieces for many family and friends. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was hand-crafting custom kitchen cabinets for his wife Sally, giving her the kitchen of her dreams. His skills were unmatched, and many called upon him for advice and a helping hand. Bill was a member of the Mason Dixon Woodworkers and served as president for several years, promoting educating and fostering craftsmanship in the local woodworking community.

Although Bill received many accolades throughout his life, his biggest accomplishment was the friendships he fostered with so many lifelong friends. He had a personality full with energy, wit, and oftentimes sarcasm. Many friends and family have countless stories of jokes and laughs shared with Bill throughout the years. Above all of his antics, Bill truly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren throughout the past several years.

Besides his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brothers Irvin Jefferson, Jack Jefferson, George Jefferson, Robert Lee Jefferson, and Thomas O. Jefferson; sisters Catherine Flaig and Joyce Ann Seabreeze; and granddaughter Courtney Joseph.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sally Ann Jefferson; their son Charles “Chuck” Jefferson (Meredith); his sons William Jefferson Jr., Scott Jefferson, and Dale Jefferson; stepdaughter Catherine Mariner; stepson Ted Mariner Jr.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brother N. Richard Jefferson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday Jan. 5, at Union United Methodist Church, 2 N. Laws St., Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Mason Dixon Woodworkers, P.O. Box 54, Delmar, DE 19940.

Arrangements in the care of  Pippin Funeral Home Inc., Wyoming. Online condolences can be sent by visiting pippinfuneralhome.com.