William D. Kellam

William "Donnie" Kellam, age 84, of Dagsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Donnie was born on May 17, 1941, in Belle Haven, Virginia, and was raised in Onancock, Virginia. He was the beloved son of the late Norman Kellam and the late Dorothy (Bundick) Kellam. Growing up on a farm on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Donnie learned early in life the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance qualities that would shape the man he became.

During the winter months of his younger years, Donnie traveled to Selbyville, Delaware, to work in the poultry plant. It was during this time that fate brought him together with the love of his life, Joyce A. Bishop. Their connection was immediate, and the two were married in 1964, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, devotion, and shared memories.

After making Delaware their home, Donnie worked for several years at DuPont in Seaford. In 1971, he took a leap of faith and took over a local garage in Ocean View, renaming it Kellam's Service Station. Through dedication, honesty, and a reputation for hard work, Donnie built the business into a trusted local establishment that he proudly operated for 29 years before retiring in December 2000.

Outside of his work, Donnie found great joy in collecting. An avid collector of many things especially antique gas pumps, he took great pride in his unique treasures. He was always delighted to share his collection with visitors, whose curiosity and admiration brought him just as much joy as the items themselves. Donnie also loved attending auctions, patiently searching for the next perfect addition to his collection.

His roots on the family farm never left him. Donnie had a natural green thumb and took great pleasure in gardening. More meaningful to him than the harvest itself was the opportunity to share the fruits of his labor with neighbors and residents of The Point Farm, a simple gesture that reflected his generous and caring spirit.

Donnie was a faithful and devoted member of Mariner's Bethel Global Methodist Church in Ocean View. In his younger years, he was also an accomplished bowler and proudly played on several teams sponsored by his garage. His lifelong love of cars naturally led to a passion for NASCAR, and he enjoyed traveling to attend several races over the years. Later in life, as his health declined, he continued to follow the races faithfully from the comfort of his home. He also enjoyed spending time at the local casinos, another pastime that brought him enjoyment.

Donnie will be remembered above all as a true "people person." He had a gift for conversation, a warm and welcoming nature, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His kindness, generosity, and genuine spirit touched the lives of many. Those who knew him will forever remember his friendly smile, his stories, and the joy he brought into every room he entered.

In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his sister, Betty J. Robbins, and her husband, Dallas.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce A. Kellam; his three children, Tammy Mitchell and her husband Dean of Ocean View, Delaware; Lisa Hastings and her husband Barry of Seaford, Delaware; and Bill Kellam and his girlfriend Wendy Mitchell and her daughter Tiffany Hudson of Gumboro, Delaware. He was also a proud and loving grandfather to six cherished grandchildren: Scott Mitchell and his wife Caila of Harrington, Delaware; Meredith Mitchell of Ocean View, Delaware; Barry Hastings II of Seaford, Delaware; Jennifer Hastings of Seaford, Delaware; Kali Kellam of Baltimore, Maryland; and Slade Kellam of Cairo, Georgia. Donnie's legacy continues through his seven great-grandchildren, who brought him great pride and joy.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Mariner's Bethel Global Methodist Church, 81 Central Avenue, Ocean View, Delaware 19970. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon, with interment immediately following in the adjoining church cemetery.

Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Donnie's name to the American Heart Association by visiting www.heart.org