William "Bill" L. Blades, age 78, of Seaford, passed Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was born June 24, 1929 in Atlanta, Delaware, the son of the late Willis and Nellie Sammons Blades. Bill worked for the Easton Police Department before spending most of his life as an agriculture inspector for various companies, including Cargill in Seaford, The Maryland Department of Agriculture, Farmers Grain and Seed and Nagel Farm Service. He enjoyed rabbit hunting, harness racing, playing cards, watching crops grow and picking produce to give away to others. He also loved to tease his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Thelma Zinn Blades, whom he married in 1952; a son, Scot Blades and his wife Sandy of Williamsburg, VA; a daughter in law, Dawn Blades of Laurel, DE; a sister, Jeanne Marvel and her husband Donald of Greenwood, DE; two step granddaughters, and four step great grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins, one who was like a brother to him, Bobby Cordrey, two aunts, an uncle, three nephews, and four great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, William "Billy" L. Blades, Jr. who passed in 2006, a granddaughter, Kilby Blades, who passed in 2004, and a sister, Mary Mae Dillard of Seaford, who passed February 2008. Following cremation, services will be private at Bill's request. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory, to Coastal Hospice At The Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.