MARDELA SPRINGS – Willie James Dewdney, 84 died Monday, May 13, 2019, at Salisbury Genesis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Salisbury, MD.

Born in Winter Haven, FL, he was the son of the late James E. and Louise (Sumpter) Dewdney.

He was a 1953 graduate of Jewett High School in Winter Haven.  After graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict, later receiving an honorable discharge.

Willie relocated to this area in the early sixties and became employed with the former Eastern Shore Food as a truck driver; the former Swift Poultry, now Perdue, Inc.; the former Koppers Lumber Company and retired from the former Allen Foods as a truck driver.  After his retirement, he became employed with Jolley Memorial Chapel as a Funeral Home Associate for over twenty years.

He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Mardela Springs, where he was a former Trustee and custodian of the cemetery and church grounds.  He was also a member and Past Master of Unity #73, F&AM, P.H.A., King David Consistory #284 and the American Legion, Sharptown/Columbia Post #269.

His survivors include his wife of over 59 years: Betty Dewdney of Mardela Springs; six children: Vivian Dewdney, Geneva Gattis, Cynthia Jones, Edward, Deborah and Monique Dewdney; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; three siblings: Gerald (Norma) Dewdney, Clara (Walter) Timmons, Terry (Kay) Dewdney and a host of nieces and nephews.

Two sisters: Betty Young and Dorothy Dewdney preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Zion United Methodist Church in Mardela Springs, where friends may view Friday, May 24, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. and again on Saturday, one hour prior to service.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Masonic rites will be held Friday evening at 7:00 pm.