Billy Joe Parsons

Mr. Billy Joe Parsons

Billy Joe Parsons, a lifelong resident of Wilkes County, passed away at his home in Purlear on Thursday July 28, 2022 at the age of 78.

Billy Joe, also known as Bill, Joe, and Nub to his friends and family, was born November 1, 1943 in Wilkes County, to Leff and Thelma Parsons.   On June 9, 1969 he married Judy Foster, the love of his life, fulfilling the promise he made to her the first time they met that he was going to marry her.   Bill and Judy grew their family with a son and daughter early in their marriage.   Bill enjoyed his family so much that he and Judy were blessed with another son and daughter years later, which he dubbed on a license plate as the Parsons6.   His wife, children and grandchildren were the light of his life and when you spoke with him he was likely sharing their most recent accomplishments and photos.   

Bill’s spirituality was important to him.  He accepted Christ when he was 11 years old and was baptized at Roaring River Beach.   Sharing his love for Christ with others followed him through life where he was able to use his voice as a gospel singing in The Searchers Trio to crowds of over 3,500 people or in the pews of Lewis Fork Church and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where he was a member.   

He was well known for his work ethic.   He was proud of the 44 year career he spent working at Holly Farms and then Tyson Foods.   Some of his fondest memories at work were those spent doing work for Fred Lovette.   He had the best manicured lawn and cleanest cars in town.   He also liked to dub himself a farmer and spent a large portion of his life raising cattle, weed eating fence line, and teaching his sons about life at PLP Farms.

Throughout his life, Bill loved to give back to the Wilkes community.  He was very involved in the Mt. Pleasant Ruritan Club where he spent years as President.   He enjoyed riding through the backroads of Wilkes County and connecting with the people that lived here.  He had a story for everyone that knew him and always stood out as the life of the party.   He is truly one of Wilkes great sons and will be missed by the community, his friends, and most of all by his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother; Vetrice Parsons, a sister; Cora Sue Wagoner, and five brothers; Leff “Punk” Parsons Jr., Jimmy Parsons, Tommy Parsons, Jerry Parsons, and Glenn Parsons.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; Judy Foster Parsons of the home, two daughters; Regina Wagoner of Mooresville, NC, and Whitney Parsons of Charlotte, NC, two sons; Mark Parsons and wife Lori of Wilkesboro, and Todd Parsons and wife Julia of Cornelius, NC, four grandchildren; Emma Parsons, Foster Wagoner, Gray Wagoner, and Zachary Parsons, two sisters; Judy Kay Parsons of N. Wilkesboro, and Carolyn Clark and husband Ewel of Winston-Salem, one brother; Jack Parsons of N. Wilkesboro, and two sisters-in-laws; Bobbie Parsons of Winston-Salem, and Debra Parsons of Charlottesville, VA.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev. Sherrill Welborn and Rev. Dale Jennings officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:45 PM until 2:45 PM prior to the service at the Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In the Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Pleasant Ruritan Club, 491 Champion Mt Pleasant Road, Ferguson, NC 28624, or Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 239 Champion Mt Pleasant Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

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