Gerald Willey

W. Gerald Willey, Greenwood, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family that he deeply loved and who loved him.  Gerald was born in Milford, DE to the late, Walter James and Lelia Willey.

Gerald served his country proudly in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  In the Navy, he served as a cook which he thoroughly loved, and carried that love for cooking with him the rest of his life.  After his discharge, he worked as a civilian as a cook and diet tech at the Dover Air Force Base Hospital, which he did for 25 years.  He was also the owner and operator of Willey Knives which he started in 1970.

In his younger days, Gerald loved to shoot pool and shoot guns.  He enjoyed strolling around the beach and enjoyed packing up the family every Saturday night to walk the boardwalk.  He loved to tell stories, especially about his days in the Navy.  Above all, he loved his family and his church, Church of God of Prophecy in Seaford.  His family was always his priority.  The customers at the shop were like his second family and he loved each and every one of them, and his skills and selection were always sought out.  He was a staple for years in the surrounding areas for local restaurants as he provided sharpening services for all their cutlery.  Gerald genuinely loved working in the shop and making knives.  He was always well loved and respected by all that knew him and he will be forever missed.

In addition to his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Willey.

He is survived by his daughter, Geri Elliott; son, Matthew (Stefanie) Willey; grandchildren, Gracie Elliott, Faith Elliott, Bryce Willey, Rachael (Ty) Short, Howie (Paris) Hammond, Megean Sluter; brother, Steve (Brenda) Willey, and extended family.

A Funeral Service for Gerald will take place on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy, Harrington, at 3:00PM.  A visitation for family and friends will start at 1:00PM.  Internment will be private at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to either the Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org; or to the Church of God of Prophecy, 22699 Bridgeville Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.