William Bradway
b.1925 - d.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