William E. Laws, Sr.

William E. Laws, Sr. aka Skeety aka “Pop” was born on December 2, 1939 in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Gertrude Laws and Julius Lloyd. He made his peaceful Heavenly transition on February 21, 2023, in Christiana Hospital surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.

William received his early education in the Wilmington public school system. Growing up he always held the role as big brother, being a role model to his siblings. He began to steal the hearts of all who knew him early at Howard High School.

Skeety met the love of his life, Carol Poon at the age of 19 at an ice cream stand. Carol had $.50 and she bought him an ice cream cone and in return he took care of her for the rest of his life. They wed in 1959 and from this union six children were born. You could find Skeety and Carol in their carpeted van taking the kids to Lum’s Pond, Battery Park and Brigantine Castle.

Skeety began his career in carpet installation at the age of 19. He began working for Manlove Carpet Service. He worked two jobs for several years installing carpet in the daytime and at night he worked for General Motors. Eventually, Skeety started his own carpet installation business, Bill’s Carpet Service. He was a hard worker and taught his brothers and sons to be the same, to provide and take care of their families. He was a master carpet installer. After retirement, Skeety worked part-time for the Red Clay School District and although his age was working against him, he continued to sneak and install carpet all around town.

Skeety was led in faith receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and joined Christian Growth Ministries (CGM) under the leadership of his son-in-law and daughter Bishop Billy and Pastor Charmayne Lane for over 20 years. Trustee Laws, or Pop Laws, as he was known at church was faithful, committed, dedicated and well loved. He was known for finding his church a building they could call their own. He worked tirelessly making sure CGM’s buildings were in excellent condition and the carpet was always impeccable. Even when he carpeted the beams in the church. Little did we all know he saved many lives when they began to shout and hit their heads on those carpeted beams. He served in many capacities in ministry but the one he was most known for is being everyone’s Pop-Pop.

Skeety was a member of “The Crew – Gentleman of the 60’s.” They were known for getting together to fellowship and doing charity work. He was known and loved in the community by all his neighbors. His style was like no other. He loved family gatherings and his morning routine, driving to the store getting his coffee, oatmeal, and newspaper.

You could always find him and Carol at the Dollar Tree, Ross, Blood Bank, doctor’s office, and the Credit Union because he had to be sure his money was right. He also frequented BJ’s and delivered food to hospitals, churches, neighbors, family, and friends. You could always count on Skeety to give family members a ride to wherever they needed to go, between him talking on the phone, drinking his coffee, digging in between the seats for something and the unnecessary braking, you were lucky to survive the ride.

He was preceded in death by his grandson William E. Laws, III and siblings Margo Laws Stoner, Fredrick Laws, Portia Hamilton, Rosalie Chapman, and Renita Chapman.

Skeety leaves to cherish many fond memories, his wife of 63 years, Carol Laws, children William Laws, Jr. (Kathy), Charmayne Lane (Billy), Lenell Laws (Anita), Chanel Laws (Kevin), Carmen Laws, Michael Laws (Doranna) and Markeith Minor, 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, siblings Meta McGhee, Linda Chapman-Williams, Francine Chapman, Byron Chapman, Sr. and Cornelius “Duke” Chapman, in-laws Emmett and Sharon Poon, godson Ranier Chapman, many nieces, nephews, cousins, Christian Growth Ministries family and friends.