Robert Wilkerson
OCEAN CITY — Robert "Capt Bob" Wilkerson, born June 7, 1928 in Suffolk, Va. to the late Medford Lawrence and Myrtle Mae Wilkerson, passed peacefully on April 22, 2013.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Kayrell Wilkerson, as well as his daughter Sandy and son-in-law, Eric Semke of Wilmington, Del., his son, Timothy and daughter-in-law Linda of Wellington, Fla.; and his daughter Donna Gutridge of Ocean City. He was also survived by his grandchildren, Michelle Cornish, Eric Allen Semke, Kaitlin Thatcher, J.V. Gutridge and Reed Wilkerson; his great-grandchildren, Emery and Eden Semke; and his dear friend and caregiver, Mary Catherine Merritt.
During his younger years in the Taylorville and Berlin areas, "Bobby" was well known for his love of dancing and billiards. After honorably serving his country in the Korean Conflict, he returned to the Berlin area and worked as a barber. He became known for his generosity and out-going personality.
As a young man, he took his trade to Wilmington, Del. where he founded the Delaware Barber School. He taught hundreds of men and women the trade he had mastered, continuing to gain the love and respect of each.
Bob is best known for his role as owner and host of Capt. Bob’s Steak and Seafood House in Ocean City. His iconic "Mr. Ocean City", the big bull with sunglasses, was his landmark contribution to Ocean City, the town he loved. You could always find Bob somewhere around the restaurant, maybe cooking in the kitchen, serving a drink and a smile at the bar or even pulling weeds in the parking lot. Always quick with a smile, a handshake and an ornery joke, he retired in 2003.
A celebration of Capt. Bob’s life will be held Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m.., just across the pond from his childhood home at the Taylorville United Methodist Church, Adkins Road (near Ocean Pines) in Berlin. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19140. The family invites friends for a celebration in the church hall following services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.burbagefuneralhome.com
Billie Whaley Brittingham
BERLIN — Billie Whaley Brittingham, 89, died peacefully at her home on Thursday April 18, 2103.
Born in Berlin, she was the daughter of the late William Whaley and Virginia Hammond Whaley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl William Brittingham in 1989.
She is survived by her children William Whaley Brittingham and his wife Tina Marie, of Ocean City, and Jane Brittingham Bradford and her husband Mike, of Snow Hill. She was adored grandmother to Jamie B. Sullivan, John M. Bradford, Billie A. Bradford and Mary “Kitty” Maves, and great grandchildren, Ella Sullivan and Lana Thornton. She was preceded in death by her half-brother Jack Whelen.
Billie spent much of her childhood on the Riddle Farm where her father was the farm manager. She continued her love of horse racing throughout her life, often attending major stakes races around the country. She and her husband owned Seaside Reality and sold many of the lots in the West Ocean City area. In more recent years, she and her son developed and sold properties in West Ocean City known as March Harbor, Seapointe, Harbor Beach, The Plantations and West End. She was a member of the Dunes Club, Ocean City Golf Club, and the Marlin Club. She was a member of St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church and was a trustee of the Whaley Cemetery.
Services were held. A donation in her memory may be made to Coastal Hospice P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21804. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent to www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
Bradley S. Lohmeyer
BERLIN — Brad S. Lohmeyer, 57, of Berlin, died Monday, April 15, 2013 at his home.
Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Robert Lohmeyer and Lois Lohmeyer-Windsor. He is survived by his sister, Debi Tyler, and her husband, Steve, and two nieces, Jennifer Lustic and Morgan Snyder and their families.
He graduated from North Dorchester High School in Hurlock, Md. in 1975. He worked as a chef at many local restaurants throughout his life. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. The family wishes to thank everyone that has helped Brad through the years.
A donation in his memory may be made to the Diakonia shelter in West Ocean City, 12747 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City, Md. 21842 or the Worcester County Humane Society.