WILLIAM FRANKLIN "FRANKIE" DIZE, JR., 58, of LaPlata, MD and formerly of Crisfield and Rhodes Point, Smith Island, died Monday, November 22, 2010 at University of MD Hospital in Baltimore following a courageous battle with complications of COPD.

Born in Crisfield February 26, 1952, he was the son of the late William Franklin "Frank" Dize and Barbara Ruth Marsh Dize. He had been making his home in LaPlata for the past seven years.

He was the former Captain of the Smith Island mail and freight boat, "Island Belle". He also was a waterman and an employee of Jesse Taylor Seafood in Washington, DC.

He is survived by his devoted son, Lance Dize and his wife Kristy of Allen; his sister, Geneva Riggin of Crisfield; two granddaughters, Hayley and Chloe Dize; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, John E. Riggin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. The Rev. Everett Landon will officiate. There will be no public viewing; however, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park in Crisfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Calvary United Methodist Church, Rhodes Point, Maryland, 21824.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com