William C. "Billy" Gifford, 87, of Edgewater

»Information from the George P. Kalas Funeral Home website.

William C. “Billy” Gifford, 87, of Edgewater passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, of natural causes.

Billy was born in Washington, D.C., on April 20, 1928. He is survived by his sister, Marion Jean Gifford.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952. He became a steamfitter in 1954 and was an active member of Local Union 602 for over 60 years. He retired in 1993. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Billy was a pioneer in the sport of skydiving, and a life-time member of the elite Pelican Skydivers Club, making over 2000 death-defying jumps. He moved to Edgewater in 1986 with his wife, Pat, who preceded him in death in 2001.

Billy was a beloved character in his small bayside community. His wit, irreverent humor, and playfully cantankerous nature endeared him to his neighbors,who knew they could always count on his friendship and assistance. He was an avid boater and crabber and he shared the bounty of his catch with friends and family. On weekends his home became a gathering spot for skydivers, steamfitters, and as he lovingly called some of his friends, freeloaders. He was a devoted Redskins fan, attending many games and traveling to several Super Bowls with his wife.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at a date to be announced.