Mr. Berlie Thomas Custis, 88, beloved husband of Lucille Bundick “Susie” Custis, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at his home in Cashville. Born Sept. 9, 1932, in Cashville, he was the son of the late Lynwood Oswell Custis and the late Gertrude Hundley Custis.
Berlie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon honorable discharge, he returned home to his waterman roots, spending countless hours gillnetting aboard his most prized possession, “My Gal.” For 60 years, Berlie fished the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and owned and operated Custis & Brown Seafood in Washington, D.C. Few people in the seafood business didn’t know the name Berlie Custis, a name associated with a hardworking, honest man of his word, who never hesitated to tell it like it was. Berlie was a lifelong member of Broadway Baptist Church.
In addition to his loving wife, Susie, he is survived by his children, William Thomas “Bill Tom” Custis and his wife, Bonnie, of Cashville, Catherine Leigh Custis and her husband, Bob, of Richmond, Va., Michael Warren Custis and his wife, Pam, of Cashville, and Berlie Thomas Custis Jr., of Texas; grandchildren, Brandy Custis Childress and her husband, Shane, of Accomac, William Thomas “Bill” Custis Jr., of Covington, Ky., Chloe Custis Tatum and her husband, Hunter, of Quinby, and Chris Gill, of Richmond; brother-in-law, Parker Johnson, of Hopeton; sister-in-law, Olive Custis, of Maryland; two great-grandsons; one great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Berlie was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Custis Johnson, and brother, Johnny Custis.
Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Albert Crockett and the Rev. Danny Shrieves officiating.
Contributions in Berlie’s memory may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 or online at www.shorespca.com
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
