William "Bill" E. Donaway, 69, of Willards, died Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was born October 27, 1942 in Pittsville, a son of Eunice White Donaway of Willards and the late Joshua William Donaway. Bill proudly served his country in the US Navy in the early 60's. For 18 years he was a loyal and dedicated member of the East Side Memorial VFW Post #2996 in Powellville, where he served as Post Commander from 1990 to 1994 and was also a member of the Salisbury American Legion Post #64. He attended Ayres United Methodist Church in Pittsville. He worked for the past 17 years as an auto mechanic at Racetrack Auto Center in Berlin. He loved his buddies he worked with and considered them his brothers. As a computer enthusiast, Bill spent his free time checking out local blogs and playing on his computer. He was a true family man who treasured memories made with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Joan Marie Donaway, with whom he shared 41 years; 2 daughters, Mary Ruth Hilliard and her companion, Joyce of New Church, VA and Janet Marie Rollins and her husband, Brent of Willards; a son, William E. Donaway, II of Willards; 3 grandchildren, Katelyn, August and Joshua; and 4 sisters, Ann Marie Biles and her husband, Jack of Delmar, Janet Lee Donaway of Salisbury, Mollie Arvey and her husband, Donald of Powellville and Rosalie Palmer and her husband, Rollie of Willards. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his best friend, Mabel West. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, Delmar, where family and friends may call from 12:30 to 2:00. The Reverend Carol Price will officiate. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Willards. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 or the Humane Society of Wicomico County, 5130 Citation Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.