William "Billy" Coles

Click Here To Watch Livestream

Mr. William “Billy” Edward Coles, age 76, of North Wilkesboro passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 8, 2025, at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church with Pastor William Fulp officiating. Burial with Military Honors by Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1142 Honor Guard will be in Scenic Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, February 7, 2025, at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Billy was born July 5, 1948, in Wilkes County to Edward Andrew and Sarah Dowell Coles. He was a member of Beulah Presbyterian Church in North Wilkesboro. Billy was a Vietnam Veteran. He loved coaching youth basketball for over 30 years. He was a retired Sergeant with the Department of Corrections. Billy was on the Lincoln Heights Board of Directors. He served as an office member of Men in Christ.  

We pay tribute to a remarkable man who wore many hats in life - a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, and friend.

Billy, a towering pillar of strength, sacrifice and endless love. His love profound for basketball, particularly the UNC Tarheels, mirrored his dedication of 30 plus years as a YMCA and AAU travel basketball coach, shaping and enriching countless young lives. Billy’s unwavering devotion to his community and church illuminated paths of compassion and service. His infectious smile, compassionate heart and generous spirit etch unforgettable memories in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A void resonates among us as we bid farewell to a man who embodied love and kindness in its purest form. We find solace in the reunion of Billy with his cherished wife, Debbie of 55 years, united in eternal peace. As he transitions to a realm of everlasting serenity, his legacy of love resonates in the hearts of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, loyal friends, dedicated ball players and his dearest confidante Freddie, affectionately known as “D” that led to the inseparable duo “C” and “D”. Their camaraderie was a testament to true friendship and shared experiences that shaped their lives. May his legacy of love and friendship endure forever.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Deborah “Debbie” Lomax Coles, two brothers; Michael Coles and Rick Coles and grandson, Joshua Rodriguez.

He is survived by two daughters; Anitra “Angel” Coles-Taylor (Mervin) of Durham, Lisa Rodriguez (Jose) of North Wilkesboro, son; William “BJ” Coles, Jr. (Shanna) of Concord, five grandchildren; Christian Taylor of Durham, Cameron Coles and Caelan Coles of Concord, Quentin Rodriguez of North Wilkesboro, Gabrielle Rodriguez Hamlett of Durham, two great-grandchildren; Landon and Marlei Hamlett of Durham, four sisters; Diane Kimber of Roaring River, Janice Parks (Luther) of Wilkesboro, Rebecca Coles of North Wilkesboro, Annette Coles of North Wilkesboro, three brothers; Kenneth Coles (Micheline) of Wilkesboro, Ernest Coles (Pamela) of North Wilkesboro, and Robert Coles of North Wilkesboro; and uncle James Dowell of Columbus, OH; and our beloved pet corgi, Yedda as well as his extended family circle, including many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Presbyterian Church, 110 Sparta Road, North Wilkesboro, NC, Lincoln Heights Recreation Corporation, 375 Lincoln Heights Road, Wilkesboro, NC, or Wilkes Dialysis Center, 1917-A West Park Drive, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Billy" Coles, please visit our floral store.