William “Bill” Jerread — known to his family as “Pop” — was born Feb. 7, 1948, in Milford and passed away on July 27, 2026, at his home in Seaford, after a lengthy illness. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and as a man who never met a stranger.

Bill served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War era, standing watch over the beach towers along the coast — a duty he carried out with quiet pride for the rest of his life.

A skilled mechanic by trade, Bill had a lifelong love for cars, especially his hot rod, which he kept running and looking sharp with his own two hands. When he wasn’t under the hood, he could usually be found with a rod in hand, an avid surf fisherman who treasured his time on the beach chasing the next good catch.

Above all, Bill’s heart belonged to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence brought warmth and laughter to every gathering. He was also devoted to his beloved dogs, Lulu and Little Man, who were by his side and gave him constant companionship and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brooks and Ethel (Meding) Jerread; a grandson, William G. Jerread III of Seaford; a granddaughter, Cassi Jerread of Seaford; a brother, Charles Jerread of Whaylesville, MD; a sister, Juanita Hynes of Texas; and a sister, Phyllis Anne Mears of Columbus, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Jerread of Seaford; a son, William G. Jerread II of Pittsville; a daughter, Mary E. Jerread, and her friend, Jim West of Delmar, Del.; grandsons, Nicholas Richards and his wife, Nichole and their two children; grandson, Chase Jerread; stepdaughters, Karen and Lori and her husband, Steve; and stepson, David and his fiancée, Lisa; brothers, Larry Jerread of Millsboro and Gary Jerread of Lewes; and his beloved dogs, Lulu and Little Man.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the stories his family tells, the roar of an engine well-tuned, and quiet mornings by the water.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cranston Funeral Home. Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. with a public visitation from 5 to 6 p.m., at Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N Shipley Street in Seaford.

To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.