Billy Jay Ellenburg Sr.

He was born March 3, 1931 in Rowan County, to the late Paul Copel Ellenburg and Laura Lillian McClanahan Ellenburg. He served 22 years in the U.S. Army, from 1948-1970, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer W3 and also served in Vietnam. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration after studying at Mitchell Community College, Statesville Business College and Appalachian State University.

Billy was a faithful, active member of Broad Street Church of Christ in Statesville, where he served as an Elder. Billy loved reading, studying and teaching the Bible, and traveling, when he was able to. Billy spent many years actively engaged in bible correspondence courses with many people from all aspects of life. He was an avid bird watcher and loved feeding the birds.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Jimmy Ellenburg, Don Ellenburg and Lester Ellenburg.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Elaine Sharpe Ellenburg; two daughters, Debbie Ellenburg Davidson, of Statesville, Cindy Ellenburg Bumgarner (Lee), of Hickory, and a son, Billy Ellenburg, Jr. (Debbie), of Statesville; grandchildren, Traci Burriss (Joe), Amy Brookshire (Britt), Kerri Williams (Alan), Ashley Ellenburg, Lauren Bumgarner and Courtney Bumgarner; great-grandchildren, Joseph Burriss, Matthew Burriss, Jay Brookshire and Bella Brookshire. He is also survived by his twin brother, Bobby Ellenburg (Faye), of Cleveland.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 29 at Broad Street Church of Christ, with Dave Wood and Steve Short officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 28 at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Broad Street Church of Christ, 433 East Broad St., Statesville, NC 28677.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.