WILLIAM GLEASON "BILLY" ADKINS, Jr., 61, of Westover and formerly of Marion, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at his home.

Born December 11, 1946 at McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield, the son of the late William Gleason and Sadie Long Adkins, he was raised and lived most of his life in Marion Station. He had been making his home in Westover for the past five years.

He was a heavy equipment operator, retiring from the Worcester County Government May 1, 2008.

He was a 40-year member of the Marion Fire Department where he served as past engineer, and he attended Walker Memorial Church of God in Princess Anne.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Linda E. Williams Adkins of Westover; two children, Edward William "Billy" Bradford, Jr. and Tina Dinterman and husband David, all of Crisfield; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Amanda Lee Bradford, Cody Harris, Nicholas William Bradford, Ashley Dinterman, and Brianna Lynn Bradford; step-children, Violet Mae Fooks and husband Troy, Eddie Johnson and wife Nancy, Jeanne Loveland and husband David, and Cathy Guillien, all of Marion; and several step-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Billie Jo Adkins, in 1970; and a sister, Gladys N. Bozman in 2005.

A fireman's funeral will be held Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield where friends may call two hours prior to the service. Marion Fire Department Chaplain, The Rev. David Parke, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733 or to Marion Fire Department, P.O. Box 143, Marion, MD 21838.

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