William S. Dize, Sr., 64, of Ewell, Smith Island, affectionately known as "Bill", "Bill Dinks", "Dinkum", and "Uncle Bill", untied his lines for the last time and cruised to Heaven to be with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield.
Born and raised on Tangier Island, he was a son of the late Willie Martin Dize and Helen Ward Crockett Dise.
He was a life-long waterman, was a Captain for the Maryland Pilot's Association for 22 years.
In his younger years, he was a member of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Tangier. After he married and moved to Ewell, he became a member of Ewell United Methodist Church on Smith Island where he was active in many areas including choir, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Director, and chairman of Trustees. Other memberships included Ewell Volunteer Fire Department life member, President of the Smith Island Cultural Alliance, Tangier Sound Watermen's Association, Seafarers International Union, Lions Club and Optimist Club.
He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and being a WBOC Weather Watcher; but most of all, he loved being with his family. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Jennifer Evans Dize of Ewell; three children, Smitty Dize and wife Ruth of Onancock, Renee Drewer and husband Cliff of Crisfield, and Marty Dize of Columbia, MD; three grandchildren, Evan Dize, Seth Dize, and Carrie Drewer; two brothers, Jack Dise of Tangier and Steve Dise of Tangier; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other cherished relatives.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Rob and Jackie Dise.
Friends may call Wednesday morning from 10-11 AM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield and Wednesday evening from 7-9 PM at the church on Ewell.
Funeral services officiated by the Rev. Rick Edmund will be held Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2 PM at Ewell U. M. Church on Smith Island. A boat for funeral passengers, "Chelsea Lane", will depart Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield at 12:30 PM. Interment will be in the Ewell Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be sent to Ewell U. M. Church, Ewell, MD 21824.
To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com