Billy Joe Harston

He was born on February 5, 1938, to George Henry Harston and Bertha Armstrong Harston. On January 30, 1959, Billy Joe married the love of his life, Marie Lay, beginning a partnership filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories. He was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent his career as a truck driver with Yellow Freight Lines before enjoying a well-earned retirement. In his free time, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially camping in his RV with Marie and tending to his vegetable garden.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters in law, George Harston (Virginia), Jerry Harston (Carolyn), Curtis Harston, and Alfred Harston (Beverly); and his sister and brother in law, Sherry Harston Thomas (Kenneth).

Billy Joe leaves behind his devoted wife of 65 years, Marie Lay Harston; his sister, Debra Harston; his brother, Tony Harston (Teresa); his sister-in-law, Betty Harston; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Billy Joe’s life will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, with burial following at Beech Bluff Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visit and share memories during the visitation, beginning at 11:00 a.m., three hours prior to the service.

Billy Joe Harston will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for the outdoors, and the deep care he showed for his family and friends. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him.