William Brown, born on July 5, 1940 in Williamsport, Pa. died on Jan. 25, 2022 but his “larger than life” legacy in his very own, highly distinctive voice, “You ain’t found a bargain until you’ve shopped at Bargain Bill’s, the Shore’s largest flea market, located in Laurel, DE,” will never be forgotten. This infectious jingle reached far and wide as all local broadcasts and anyone who owned a TV or radio knew of Bargain Bill, genius marketing at its finest.
Early in life, Bill worked for Sheridan Sign as an apprentice when content was hand painted, a lost craft that very few can master. He free-handed billboards, water towers, advertising merchandise, and vehicles for prestigious businesses in the area such as Perdue Farms, English’s Grille, countless Ocean City restaurants.
Most importantly, Bill was a family man that would do anything for his wife, Leslie, of 40+ years who passed in 2017. He is survived by his two children Stephanie Ruddo and Bill Brown and his four grandchildren Johnathon Ruddo, Chloe Ruddo, Jordan Brown and Elizabeth Brown. His love of motorcycles is passed on to his son, Bill and grandson, Jordan. Among the many milestones in Bill’s career, he was known as “the fastest man on two wheels,” holding local and national records. He also was recognized and won numerous International Bike Show awards with his “The Leaf Springer”, patent all while owning and operating “Kawasaki Korner”, the home of “The Finest and Fastest Bikes on the Shore” located in Salisbury.
Bill graduated from Laurel High School in 1958 and continued to serve his community as president of Laurel’s Chamber of Commerce, commencing the Fourth of July celebration in downtown Laurel, his beloved hometown. He was an Army veteran and also served in the National Guard. In the early 80s, Bill and his wife Leslie seized the opportunity to work alongside his father-in-law George T. Purnell who owned a three acre dirt lot on the corner lot of Rt 13 and Rt 9. The three acres grew to 25 acres and that was how the home of Bargain Bills, The Shores Largest Flea Market began.
Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Bill had a genuine belief that anyone can create their own destiny. “Bargain Bill,” a cartoon like character we all recognize, a visual of Bill’s hard-working father-in-law George T. Purnell and the ever lingering jingle in combination with Bill’s family oriented, customer satisfying approach to business is a legacy that will be remembered by many for years to come. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4 at the American Legion Post #19, 12168 Laurel Road, Laurel, DE 19956. Mr. Brown will be receiving military honors for his dedicated service in the United States Army at 4:30 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.