William “Bill” Hitchens of Dagsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2026.

Born the youngest child of John and Minni (Hudson) Hitchens, Bill was the baby of a large family with seven sisters and three brothers.

Bill was an avid farmer who loved growing sugar corn and tomatoes, sharing much of his harvest with the community. He was also a dedicated sportsman who spent many Sunday afternoons shooting clay pigeons. His years as a heavy equipment operator were among his proudest, especially his work grading the Dover Downs Raceway during its construction.

He enjoyed life outdoors and could often be found on a tractor, four‑wheeler, uniloader, grass cutter, or simply riding around in his truck—usually needing to be coaxed off whichever machine he was on. Bill also loved hunting and made several memorable trips to Nebraska to hunt pheasants with family. One special adventure took him and his wife camping in Maine with their daughter and son‑in‑law.

Bill enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and clamming, and loved telling his famous “Here fishy, fishy, fishy” story—amazed that the phrase actually worked once he started saying it himself.

Most mornings, Bill could be found at the Millsboro McDonald’s, surrounded by friends, sharing conversations and lively debates about current events.

Bill is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Della (McCabe) Hitchens; two children, Billie (Hitchens) Lawson and Mark Hitchens; and his son- in -law Richard “Smoke” Jones.

He is survived by his daughters Donna (Hitchens) Jones and Bonnie (Hitchens) Hummer (J.L.); seven grandchildren; eleven great‑grandchildren; and three sisters‑in‑law: Patsy Moore, Margaret Schaffer, and Patience McCabe.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher Street, Frankford, DE 19945, where friends and family may gather beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Millsboro Cemetery in Millsboro, Delaware.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name be made to:

Hickory Hill Church 32433 Molly Field Road Dagsboro, DE 19939

or

Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company – Ambulance Service P.O. Box 128 Dagsboro, DE 19939