WILLIAM THOMAS "CAPTAIN WILL" ESKRIDGE, dear Dad and Tangier Island's oldest resident, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2007 at his home. He was 96 years old.

Born on Tangier Island, January 26, 1911, he was a son of the late Ira L. and Bertha Crockett Eskridge. His wife, Mildred Pruitt Eskridge, preceded him in death on July 22, 1976.

He was a waterman and a member of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Tangier Island.

He is survived by four sons, Ira Lee Eskridge, II., Allen Dale Eskridge, William Thomas Eskridge, Jr., and James W. Eskridge; two daughters, Shannon Eskridge Bunner and Mona Eskridge Marshall; 25 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Cpl. Warren Reed Eskridge, who was killed in action in Vietnam January 28, 1969; and a brother, Warren R. Eskridge, is also deceased.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 2 PM at Swain Memorial U. M. Church on Tangier, where friends may call Tuesday evening from 7-9 PM. The Rev. John Jones, Strickland Crockett and William T. Eskridge, Jr. will officiate. Interment will be in the Spence Family Cemetery on Tangier Island.

Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Swain Memorial U. M. Church, Tangier, VA 23440.

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