Billy Yates Edgerton

Bill Edgerton, age 84, passed away Friday evening after a short illness. Bill was the eternal optimist. He loved and encouraged his family and left a legacy of Christian commitment and service. He is now with his Savior, Jesus, and he is forever “absolutely marvelous.”

Born in Johnston County, Bill was the son of the late Cartland Glenn and Thelma Rose Edgerton. He is survived by his wife of 23,120 days (63 years), Janis, and sons Kenny and wife Harriet, Randy and wife Hilda, and daughter Kathy Smith and husband Steven; grandchildren Tyler, Josh, Worth, Zach, Garrett, Bennett, and Anna Kathryn, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Nina Leaming and Linda Pittman, and brother, Mike, and preceded in death by brothers Robert and Glenn.

Bill worked for Carolina Telephone for 37 years after serving in the United States Air Force. He was active in First Baptist Church, and served as a deacon in his churches, as a Boy Scout leader for many years, and on the board of Wayne Community College. He was active in the Optimist Club, serving as president and governor and starting many new clubs. He also started Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County, building homes for many deserving families. Thirteen years ago he began Helping Hands Ministry, building over 1,000 wheelchair ramps in his community, joined by volunteers from all backgrounds. He always served his community in many capacities and received numerous awards, including the Downtown Goldsboro Lifetime Achievement Award and the Order of the Longleaf Pine from the governor of North Carolina.

The funeral will be held at First Baptist Church of Goldsboro, 125 South John Street, at 11 o'clock on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Visitation will precede the funeral at 9:30 in the fellowship hall. Burial, with military honors, will be at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 10 o’clock 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edgerton Scholarship Fund at Wayne Community College, 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, 27534, or to the First Baptist Church Ramp Ministry.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Edgerton Family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com

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