March 2025
Randall Scott Godwin, March 15, 2025
Sept. 15, 1969-March 15, 2025
Randall Scott Godwin, son of Randall and Patsy Daughtridge Godwin; and older brother of Sean Godwin; died at 55 on March 15, 2025, at home in Graham, North Carolina. Scott was born Sept. 15, 1969. He is the grandson of the late Narvin and Mavis Godwin. Scott was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America through the First Baptist Church of Graham, where he was a member. Scott attended the 15th World Scout Jubilee in Alberta, Canada. He earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Scott loved and cherished his family. He is buried in Graham Memorial Park in Graham, North Carolina. Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Millard Lee Hill » Mavis Hill Godwin
April 2025
James Alvin Stancil Jr., April 24, 2025
Oct. 14, 1946-April 24, 2025
James Alvin Stancil Jr., father of Tish Stancil Summerlin, husband Steve of the Arnettie Branch, died at 78 on April 28, 2025, in Wilson. He is the husband of Catherine Perry Stancil and father of Kelly Stancil Barnes, husband Billy; and Lee Anne Edwards, husband Justin. He was born October 14, 1946. He is the son of the late Alvin and Peggy Stancil; brother of the late Joan Thompson, Danny Stancil and Steve Stancil; and uncle of Alvin Thompson. He is the grandfather of Brooke Meador and Sage Meador. (Arnettie/Wilbert/Sharon/Steve)
May 2025
William "Bill" Henry Batts
July 3, 1937-May 19, 2025
William "Bill" Henry Batts Jr., George Ira Branch, husband of Jacqueline "Jackie" Lewis Batts; father of David Henry Batts, and his wife Lea; and brother of James "Jim" Ralph Batts, and his wife Kathy; died at 87 on May 19, 2025, in High Point, North Carolina. Bill was born on July 3, 1937, in Wilson, North Carolina. He is the eldest child of the late William and Eva Vazelle Stancil Batts – Vazelle later married Francis Nixon Jessup; and the father of the late Claire Suzanne Batts Green and William Timothy Batts. He is the grandfather of Parker Batts, Henry Batts, Eva Batts and Nick Batts. After graduating high school, Bill received an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He earned a bachelor’s degree and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy in 1959. He also attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Bill retired from the Navy as a commander in 1980 and returned to North Carolina. He and Jackie, who both grew up in Wilson, married on June 6, 2007. Bill will be buried at sea by the Navy.
June 2025
Debra Ann Hill Walston, June 21, 2025
Aug. 14, 1955-June 21, 2025
Debra Hill Walston, Arnettie Branch, of Wilson, died at 69 on June 21, 2025, while visiting Charleston, South Carolina. Debra and Donald celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the day she passed away. Debra was co-owner of A-1 Mobile Home Parts and Service and was an active member at Tabernacle Baptist Church, and she loved spending time with her “Baby” miniature dachshund, Seth. Surviving is her husband, Donald R. Walston; daughter, Cindy Walston of Raleigh; son, Bobby Walston of the home; sisters, Linda White of Wilson, Karen Taylor of Wilson, Sharon Turnage (Carlton) of Elm City, Elizabeth Boyette (James Head) of Eureka, and Sandra Phillips of Hubert; special friend and beach buddy, Debbie Viverette (Roger) of Wilson; numerous nieces and nephews. Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Mayzell Boykin Hill of Johnston County; sisters, Marvelene Carico and Imogene Murphy; and brother, William Hill. The funeral was at 10 a.m. June 28 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, conducted by Pastor Joe Shakour. She is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson.
Michael "Troy" Willis, June 23, 2025
Dec. 1, 1968-June 23, 2025
Michael “Troy” Willis, son of Patricia Willis; brother of Laurie Willis Jordan, and her husband Howard; and Ryan Willis, and his husband Rodney Harkey; died at 56 on June 23, 2025. Troy was born Dec. 1, 1968. He is the son of the late Michael Jay Willis. Troy grew up in Virginia Beach and Currituck and then headed to UNC Chapel Hill, Atlanta ultimately returning to Virginia Beach. Troy was deeply devoted to giving back to those who experienced domestic abuse and older adults in nursing homes, which brought joy not only to his own life but to those around them. Troy was a beloved son, brother, grandson, cherished friend, and a bright light and large presence to this world.
Thomas "Tommy" Arthur Hill, June 27, 2025
June 14, 1961-June 27, 2025
Thomas Arthur "Tommy" Hill, Tempy Ann Branch, brother of Gilda “Sis” Hill Cooke, died at 64 on June 27, 2025, at his home in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Tommy was born June 14, 1961, in Surry County. He is the son of the late George Leon and Violet Marie Thomas Hill; and brother of the late Tony Ray Hill and Albert Preston Hill. Tommy was no stranger, always making friends, he loved the lord, devoted Christian. He loved to go fishing and play golf.