Port Norris Legends

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Legends of Port Norris

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William Bradway
b.July 5, 1925
d.July 3, 2010

William H Bradway, Jr was born in Newport on July 5, 1925.

Bill, as his friends know him, moved to Port Norris in 1953. He drove for Dagastine’s Transfer, the first local trucking company to deliver oysters to the Midwest.

Bill started his own business, Bradway Engineering, working as a diesel mechanic. His main client was Dorchester Shipyard, though he also had Army and Navy contracts, repairing various types of boats. He had a great reputation for his engineering skills. Bill once engineered the raising of a sunken mine sweeper off Dorchester. He was best known for his development - with the welding expertise of Alan Beebe – of an air wind system for the dredges on oyster boats. This system completely revolutionized the industry, and is still in use today. Bill became Plant Manager for the Port Norris Oyster Company from 1973 until it closed. He also worked for the oyster-packing house Hill Bloom until retiring in 2002.

Bill served on the Shellfish Council for twenty-five years.

Bill has been happily married to Jane Gibison since 1967.

On November 22, 2009, Bill Bradway was recognized as a Living Legend of Port Norris. Throughout his life in Port Norris, Bill has been an integral part of our local oyster industry. His reputation as a mechanic is eclipsed only by his reputation as a person. Bill was a kind, honest citizen, who represents the best of Port Norris. He passed away in 2010.

Sources: BIll and Jane Bradway

 

Obituary

BRADWAY, WILLIAM H., JR. 84 - of Port Norris, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday July 3, 2010. The husband of Jane Gibison Bradway, he was the son of the late William and Edith Lore Bradway, Sr.. Bill was a longtime member of Port Norris Baptist Church. He also served on the Shellfish Council for over 25 years. Bill was employed by Port Norris Oyster Company, Dorchester Industries, and Hill Bloom Packing Company; he was a renowned diesel mechanic. With his engineering skills, he developed an air wind system for the dredges on oyster boats, which fully revolutionized the industry to this day. The Port Norris Historical Society recently honored him as a "Living Legend". He is survived by his wife Jane Gibison Bradway, three daughters, Carol Veale, Susan Bradway, and Judith Hirt and husband Peter, and son in law Mark Stevens, brother, Walter Bradway and wife Pat. He is survived by nine grandchildren, Michael and wife Sarah, Shawnessy, Jonathan and wife Breezy, Jennifer and husband Paul, Lauren, A.J., Scott, Quinn, and Garrison. Also survived by 4 great grandchildren, Tony, Sammy, Abby, Ben, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Esther Sharp and husband Cliff, daughter, Linda Hendren, daughter Donna Stevens, and son in law Lee Veale. Funeral services will be held at the Hoffman Funeral Homes 2507 High St. Port Norris on Friday July 9, 2010 at 9:30 AM with Rev. Senn officiating. Interment will be in Haleyville Cemetery. Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Memorial donations may be made to Port Norris Baptist Church 1672 Main St. Port Norris, NJ 08349.

Published in The Press of Atlantic City on July 6, 2010