Mr. Willie C. Reams

Willie “Bill” Chadwick Reams, 86, of Clayton went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 16th. Born December 2, 1929 in Winterville, Bill was the son of Clarence and Ethel Tripp Reams. Bill was preceded in death by his only sister Peggy Reams Brown. Also there to greet him in heaven is his loving granddaughter Holly Frances Reams. Bill grew up farming, but still had a chance to find time for his love of music and dancing. After finishing high school he attended East Carolina where he met the love of his life from Grimesland, Frances Buck. Upon graduating, from ECU, Bill spent time in Japan while services as a first lieutenant in the Air Force. Coming home he married Frances on June 26, 1955. During his career as a teacher/principal in the Clayton and Raleigh school districts, Bill touched many young minds. When he retired, he and Frances enjoyed living part of the time on Yellow Mountain near Newland. Bill was able to pursue numerous hobbies like wood sculpting, artistic drawing/painting, exploring wildlife and bird watching, yard sales, and restoring antiques. He loved the color red, the mountains, fishing, Blue Grass music, watching the Carolina Tarheels, and most importantly his family. Bill leaves his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Frances Buck Reams; son, Roger and Teresa Reams of Middlesex; daughter, Sue and Herman Mitchiner of Clayton; his four granddaughters, Alison and Bill Kilpatrick, Mia and Chris Richard, Mollie and Matt Parrish, and Robin Reams; His great-grandkids, Will and Parker Kilpatrick, Sophia and Levi Richard. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm, Sunday, June 19th, 2016 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at 3 PM at Pinecrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Clayton, PO Box 35, Clayton 27528, or a charity of your choice in his memory.