Billy R. Williford (85) of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  Billy was born in Sampson County and was the son of the late Albert and Mary Williford.  He grew up in Newton Grove and was in the first class to graduate from Hobbton High School in 1957. As a teen, he loved playing basketball and was a school bus driver.  After graduation, he started working in various departments at Dorothea Dix Hospital.  He and Doris Parker fell in love and married February 1, 1959.  Six months later, Billy was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany where he guarded the Berlin Wall. Doris was able to join him and they lived there almost two years before returning home to Johnston County, NC. They both returned to Dorothea Dix where they worked and retired with 30+ career years.  Billy started night school and completed his Business Administration degree from King's College. He was a supervisor in the Machine Shop to oversee the heating, air conditioning, and fire alarm systems. After retirement, he started his own HVAC business as a licensed contractor.

In 1964, Billy and Doris started a family and Phyllis and Bobby attended schools in Garner, NC.  Billy and Doris were faithful servants after joining Calvary Raleigh Church and celebrated many milestones including their 50th anniversary in 1999 and were married a total of 59 years.

Billy is survived by his brother, James Williford (Barbara), Rayford Williford (LaRose) both of Raleigh; his daughter Phyllis Parrish (Dwayne) of Four Oaks; son Bobby Williford (Lee Ann) of Raleigh, 5 grandchildren, Karen, Steven, Dylan, Josh, and Daniel; and 4 great grandchildren, Clara, Lauren, Jason, and Madison.  He was preceded in passing by his wife Doris, parents, and sister, Shelvia Westbrook and many other loved ones.

The funeral service will be held at Montlawn Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m and burial directly following at Montlawn Memorial Park. There will be visitation at the same location beginning at 12 noon.  His family will be present to welcome loved ones.

Billy played softball and was in many bowling leagues. As a family they enjoyed vacations to NC beaches and family pig pickings in October.   Billy enjoyed gardening but his favorite hobby became golf after retirement and he enjoyed playing up until his knee replacement surgery in 2021. As much as he desired to be on the golf course one more time, his hip replacement surgery in 2023 and therapy prevented him from fully recovering and recently took a fall that caused him to be hospitalized the last few weeks.  He was a loving Christian husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle and friend.  In addition to his family and church family, Billy had many customers who he serviced their HVAC systems for many years. Billy will be known for his sweet spirit, warm smile, and will be missed dearly.