Jimmy Royce "Billy" Whitford

Billy served in the U.S. Army and worked in the car business all of his life, spending most of his career owning and operating Vanceboro Motors, Inc. Instead of traditional hobbies, Billy spent his time helping people. He spent countless hours visiting friends in the hospitals and nursing homes. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Billy loved the Lord and was very faithful and active in his church until his health began to decline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Whitford, Sr. and Ella Hoell Whitford; sister, Dollie Bunting; and brothers, John Whitford, Jr. and Pete Whitford.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Martha Lewis Whitford of Ernul; children, Billy Whitford (Linda) of Vanceboro and Julia Ipock (Russell) of Vanceboro; stepchildren, Donna Simons (Richie) of Ernul, Bobby Tripp, II of Ernul and Tommy Tripp (Michelle) of Ernul; grandchildren, Taylor Whitford, Meghan Ipock, Ashley Simons, Matthew Simons, Heather Arevalo; and great granddaughter, Ashlynn Arevalo.

UPDATED SERVICE DATE AND TIME (due to Tropical Storm Ophelia)

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rex Bennett officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Gentiva Hospice as well as Heather Arevalo and Donna Simons for the loving care provided to Billy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Billy's name to Highland Park Christian Church, Macedonia F.W.B. Church or the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.