Mr. William Garvey Billings, 86 of Thurmond, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Britthaven Nursing Home. Mr. Billings was born June 2, 1923 in Wilkes County to William McKinley and Tessie Pruitt Billings. He was a member of Roaring Gap Baptist Church and was a retired Elkin businessman. Mr. Billings enjoyed his animals and the outdoors where he spent the majority of his retirement. In his youth, he was a champion horseshoe pitcher. He was a friend to everyone and enjoyed helping out those in need where ever he could. In addition to his parents, Mr. Billings was preceded in death by his wife Louise Billings; his daughter, Gilda Lynn Billings; two brothers, Ebert Billings and Eldred Billings and two sisters, Marie Gentry and Vena Cothren. He is survived by his son, James Harrison Poteat and wife Angela of North Wilkesboro; two daughters, June Ellen Poteat of Thurmond and Robin Poteat Popiolkowski and husband Alan of California; and one grandchild, Emma Popiolkowski of California. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3:00 pm at Roaring Gap Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie McMillian and Rev. E.R. Wiles officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Roaring Gap Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 267 E. Roaring Gap Church Road, Thurmond, NC 28683. The family wishes to thank the staff of Britthaven Nursing Home and all the friends and neighbors for their loving care.
