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WAKE FOREST, NC -- The Friday Night Lights went dim for Billy O. Williams Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He passed away peacefully at WakeMed Primary Care in Raleigh, NC. Billy was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Jeanne Ellington Williams, his parents Melvin and Margie Williams, brother Wilbur, and sisters Dorothy Pickeral and Mary Reynolds.
Surviving are his daughters Lynn Williams, Terry Whitfield (Rick), and Nancy Dickerson (John). He is the proud grandfather of Hill Dickerson (Amanda), Kathryn Coley (Cam), Patrick Dickerson (Stephanie), and Katie Massey (Brandon). He is also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren, his nephews Russ, Trafton, and Gardner Reynolds who provided him with great hunting adventures and great fish from Hatteras and Ocracoke, and his special nieces, Stacey and Peggy. A special mention to Ellen Yerby his daughter in faith.
Billy was a typical American guy until he tucked a football under his arm. He was known in his hometown of Henderson, NC, as a talented high school athlete bound for success as he was recruited by college coaches throughout the United States. During high school his honors included the "All Southern", and "All American". When choosing a college the UNC Tarheels won his heart and he was dubbed the future Charlie (Choo Choo) Justice. His name is proudly displayed in the UNC Letterman's Lounge at Kenan Stadium. His successful football career was a catalyst in building his future. He excelled in every endeavor. He spent 20+ years in the soft drink industry for both Pepsi and Coca Cola. His last business venture was partnering with friends to open Matkins Glass Company, Inc. in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC. His community was always important to him and while living in Henderson he was President of Kiwanis, Jaycees, Rotary , a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher in the First Baptist Church, and was actively involved in starting a chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Henderson. His other loved hobbies were golf, hunting with his nephews, and fishing.
We could write forever about the many many adventures that he experienced through his life. He lived life to the fullest and those that were fortunate enough to know him and spend time with him will attest to his strong faith, his love of family, and his dedication to his friends (you know who you are and we love you too)
Memorial service will be held Wednesday September 27, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the chapel of J.M. White Funeral Home by The Rev. Dr. Suzanne Cobb. Private inurnment will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 1:30 until 2:45 PM at J. M. White Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted or the family has asked that donations be made to Hayes Barton Baptist Church Television Ministry at 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608 (please write "in memory of Billy Williams in the memo line"). He looked forward to watching Dr. Haley and listening to the beautiful music every Sunday.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
The family would like to thank the Heroes at Hillside Nursing Center in Wake Forest, Wake Med Hospital, who went over and above to take care of Mr. Billy.
We will miss him so very much...
Online condolences may be made at www.jmwhitefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.
Paid obituary