Nov. 12, 1929 – Sept. 6, 2018

WILSON, NC – John William “Bill” Willoughby, 88 of Wilson passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 6.

His funeral service was conducted on Sunday, September 9 at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson, with Rev. George Loveland and Rev. David Barnes officiating. A graveside service with Military Honors was conducted on Monday, September 10 in Riverside Cemetery, Mayor Billy Hill Street, Murfreesboro with the Rev. George Loveland officiating.

Bill served his country with honor and pride in the U.S. Air Force. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge #684 in Ahoskie and a member of the Sudan

Shriners Temple of New Bern. He was owner and broker of Action Realty Company in Ahoskie for many years. Bill loved hunting and fishing, his church and his family. He was a wonderful husband and father who loved his family with protective devotion. Bill will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Lee Vinson Willoughby of the home; daughters, Cathy Lynette Cranford and husband, Randle, of Aberdeen, and Mary Beth McLawhorn and husband, Michael Denton, of Wilson; granddaughter, Christina Boykin and husband, Shane, of Elm City; great-grandson, Andrew Boykin of Elm City; step-great-granddaughter, Mia Denton of Winterville; sister, Katy Hyatt of Ahoskie; and his brother, Phillip Willoughby and wife, Patricia, of Statesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Helen Adkins Willoughby; sisters, Jean Lynette Willoughby, Helen McPherson, Ann Parker and Jackie Parker; and his brothers, Earl Willoughby and Eddie Willoughby.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Kindred Hospice at Home, their church family and friends for all of their care and compassion during Bill’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Bill’s memory to the Kindred at Home Hospice, 4013 Capitol Drive, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 or Winstead United Methodist Church, 1407 S Tarboro Street, Wilson, North Carolina 27893.

Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.