HENDERSON - Curtis “Billy” McGhee died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at age 76. He was born in Franklin County on November 19, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie McGhee and Ruby Harris McGhee; siblings, Bobby McGhee, Wallace McGhee, Mack McGhee, Danny McGhee, Betty M. Ray and Colleen Lithincum. He is survived by his wife, Pat Jones McGhee, whom he met in 1988; sister, Shirley Pendleton of Franklinton; and his brother, Pete McGhee, also of Franklinton. Also surviving Billy is his best friend, Walter Beckham, of Franklinton, who was Billy’s brother in spirit and deeds.

Billy attended school in Franklin and Nash Counties. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955 and retired 20 years later in 1975. He traveled the world over and served during the Vietnam Conflict. Settling in his beloved Franklin County, which he considered the perfect place to live, after retirement from the service, Billy began a second career as a 911 Dispatcher for the Town of Franklinton and then with the Franklin County Sheriff’s office, where he retired in 1998.

Billy was a member of Liberty Christian Church, where he served as a member of the Men’s Fellowship, an usher and a Deacon. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 19, at 3:00 p.m., at Liberty Christian Church.  Burial followed with Military Honors in the church cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Marion Lark conducted the services. The family received friends in the Fellowship Hall after the services.

Pallbearers were nephews, Tim Gilleland, Connie Mack McGhee, Tony Bailey, Jonathan Jones, friends Wesley Knott, Phil Grissom, Gary Lee Ayscue, Mike Ayscue, and Charles Harrell.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be  made to Liberty Christian Church in care of Mattie May, 132 Beverly Hills Lane, Henderson, N.C. 27537.

Arrangements are by Flowers Funeral Home.

Paid Obituary