Mr. James &uot;Shorty&uot; Dildy, 84, of 5614 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, in Obici Hospital.

A native of Nansemond County, he was a son of the late James Thomas Dildy and Martha Benton-Dildy. He was predeceased in death by a daughter, Brenda L. Wiggins (Knight).

He was a member of New Middle Swamp Baptist Church where he was a deacon, and had retired as mechanic from Briggs Farm Equipment Co. after 48 years of service.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Nadie Dildy of Suffolk; seven sons, James Dildy (Rachel), Leslie Dildy (Janet), Seth Dildy (Beulah), Terry Dildy (Paulette), and Dennis Dildy, all of Suffolk; Thomas Dildy of Albemarle, N.C.; and Henry Dildy of Portsmouth; one sister, Pearl Dildy of Suffolk; one son-in-law, Roger L.Wiggins; three brothers, William Thomas Dildy (Annie) of Suffolk; Seth Clinton Dildy (Frances) and Edward Dildy (Helen), both of Gates Co., N.C.; 25 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, in New Middle Swamp Baptist Church in Corapeake, N.C. by Dr. Claude Odom. Interment will be held in Benton Cemetery, Suffolk.

Crocker Funeral Home Inc. is handling the arrangements.