William "Cigar" Sadberry

William “Cigar” Sadberry His Story William Sadberry was born in Arlington Georgia on Monday, July 5, 1920 to the late William Sadberry and Viola Robinson. On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, William was called home to glory at Tidal Health in Salisbury, Maryland. A Snapshot of 102 Years. We can’t tell it all! After completing elementary school, William and his brother Willie worked on the farm and in the fields with their father. As a young adult he managed a crew transporting sugar cane to the Caribbean Islands. He later moved to different cities in Florida working in construction, and as a club bouncer and hotel bellhop. In 1951, William met Allie J. Hammond at a hotel in Miami, Florida. Hammond offered him a job at a plant farm and nursery in Pittsville. While in a field, with a cigar in his mouth, the foreman calls him, “Hey you, Cigar.” A new name and new beginning for a self-taught, hardworking man. The move to Maryland led to Cigar meeting Mary L. Marshall Evans. They were married on February 1, 1958. This beautiful, kind and compassionate woman of God was the backbone of his success. He attended Bishop United Methodist Church in Parsonsburg, MD where he served as a Trustee. He also attended Pullets United Methodist Church in Whaleyville, MD. Cigar was a supervisor at the tomato canning factories in Pittsville/Snow Hill, MD and Greenbackville, VA. He met and became close friends with Vaughn Richardson. Cigar managed Richardson’s Camp from 1960-1986. During this time, he established “Cigar’s Place.” He and Mary operated a store and provided housing and food for many families. Cigar’s Place was also a favorite local Juke Joint and Pool Hall. It was called “The Back Room.” Cigar was a truck driver for Cropper Brother’s Lumber Company. He and Mary drove bus 104 for 17 years for Wicomico County Public Schools. Cigar served 11 years as a Deputy for the Wicomico County Sheriff Department. He retired as head of Security for Cropper Brother’s Lumber. Cigar was well known and liked throughout the Pittsville/Willards communities and beyond. He was a significant member of the community for over 70 years. He is often referred to as a “Legend.” Many conversations and friendships were established between the “Watermelon Man” and patrons. In his mind, Cig thought he was a master carpenter, electrician, mason, and chef. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards, the blues, baseball, camping and his Friday night trips to Wells Auction in Delmar, MD. Cigar looked forward to celebrating his birthday and family reunions. He truly enjoyed being around family and friends. His trademark: the bib overalls, tobacco, hats and cigars!! Favorite Sayings: I’m a Cool Dude, Dat’s How Come Eat whatcha want, drink watcha want, just don’t die, you’ll live Cigar will be greatly missed by: his sons, Kenneth Evans, Marshall Evans (Lorene), Reynolds Evans, William Sadberry, Jr. (Patricia) and Lester Sadberry; daughters, Sandra Norwood (Ernest), Terry Smith (Billy) and Joann Cannon; 25 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren and 45 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. He greatly appreciated the care and support extended to him by Anne Trotter, daughter-in-law, Patricia Sadberry and his grandson, Cordell Sadberry. He will be missed by many others who stopped to check on him, bring him meals and show that they cared. William “Cigar” Sadberry was preceded in death by: his wife Mary; three siblings; sons, John Sadberry and Jackie Evans; grandsons, Anthony C. Waters, Rodney Hitchens Beckett, William H. Sadberry III and Billy O. Smith Jr. LOVINGLY SUBMITTED ~ THE FAMILY

William "Cigar" Sadberry

July 5, 1920 - January 17, 2023