WILLIAM GORDON "BILL" VESSEY, 81, of Rehobeth, died Thursday, July 29, 2010 at his home.

Born in Crisfield January 28, 1929, and raised in Rehobeth, he was the son of the late Guy and Ethel Massey Vessey.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1946, and from the University of Maryland College Park in 1950. He served in the US Air Force from 1955-1957.

He was a life-long farmer who loved his work. Being an orchard grower was what he was most proud of.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Westover, past president of Crisfield Kiwanis Club, Life Member and Past Master of Chesapeake Masonic Lodge #147 AF & AM, Life Member of Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044, and past member of the Somerset County School Board.

He loved being with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchild were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy McClenahan Vessey of Rehobeth; four children, Anne Lee Vessey of Berlin, Nancy Elizabeth "Sissy" Vessey of Rehobeth, Mary Kay Corbin and her husband Tim of Rehobeth and William Sidney Vessey and his wife Cindy of Rehobeth; six grandchildren, Christopher Richard Eschenburg and Jennifer Lee Eschenburg of Berlin, Susan Katherine Lambertson of Rehobeth, John Edmund Boston, II and his wife Leslie of Pocomoke, Megan Lee Vessey of Rehobeth and Caitlyn Elizabeth Vessey of Rehobeth; one great-grandchild, Samantha Elizabeth Lambertson; two sisters, Alice Vessey of Pocomoke and Elizabeth Butler of Shelltown; a brother-in-law, Charles McClenahan and his wife Annette of Crisfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, June Vessey.

Friends may call Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 4-6 PM at his home on 31841 Vessey Orchard Road, where a Masonic Memorial Service will take place at 5 PM. Funeral services will be Monday, August 2, 2010 at 11 AM at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Westover. Father William Porter will officiate. Interment will be in Rehoboth Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be sent to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 179, Pocomoke, MD 21851.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com