Recent News

     Willard Betts, Jr., 77, known to everyone as Bill, lifelong resident of Frederica, DE passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at home. He was the son of the late Willard (Chops) Betts, Sr. and Doris Betts. 

     Bill was a 1966 graduate of Felton High School and graduated from Delaware State College in 1971. He spent his career working in various technical roles for Standard Brands, Reichhold Chemicals, Playtex, and the State of Delaware.  

     Bill spent his life serving the Frederica Fire Company joining in 1965. In his nearly 60 years, he held multiple positions including President, Vice President, Chief, and Secretary. He was also actively involved in many other fire service organizations including Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, Delaware State Chiefs Association, Delaware State Fire Commission, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Bill was also an instructor at the Delaware State Fire School, helping to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of firefighters. He led and mentored countless firefighters at Frederica and throughout the state. 

     Bill was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren and attended many soccer, field hockey and lacrosse matches, along with birthday, graduations and other special occasions.  

     Bill loved to travel and visited nearly every state as well as several countries. He was known to ask “Wanna go for a ride?” and you never knew where you would end up.  But it would probably be wherever he wanted to have dinner.  Bill loved to fish in the Delaware Bay, back when there were fish there, and enjoyed going to Bowers to watch the head boats come in.  

     Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Louise Betts; children, Bill (Caralyn) of Aberdeen, MD and Julie (Tom) of Lewes, DE, grandchildren, Brandon of Aberdeen, MD, Chris (Amy) of Cockeysville, MD, Caitlin (Lilian) of Brooklyn, NY, and Molly (Luka) of Lewes, DE.  He is also survived by his sister Sandra Bivins of Dover, DE. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to one of the following: Frederica Volunteer Fire Co., 6 Front St., Frederica DE 19946 or KSI, Inc. 301 N. Rehoboth Blvd., Milford, DE 19963.

     A visitation will take place at the Frederica Volunteer Fire Company, 6 Front St., Frederica, DE 19946 on Monday February 3, 2025 from 9:30 - 11:30 A.M., the funeral service will follow at 11:30 with interment after the service at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica, DE. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.