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William Marion Honeycutt (Rev. Billy), age 72, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Terry and children John and Beth.
Billy was the second child of the late William Marion Honeycutt, Jr. and Juanita Humphries Honeycutt.
Billy was educated in the public school system. Billy's deep faith was nurtured through involvement at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church. He earned degrees from Gardner-Webb College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ministry settings included hospital chaplain residency, church youth staff ministry, Pastor of Mountain Creek Baptist Church and Director of Missions of Green River Baptist Association. In semi-retirement, he served as chaplain at Baptist Retirement Home in Asheville and interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Forest City.
In the summer of 1995, Billy met with a group of local citizens who shared a concern about housing needs in Rutherford County. These conversations resulted in the birth of Rutherford Housing Partnership, an organization that addresses housing issues for those who live on limited incomes. An incredible group that formed in conjunction with RHP is the Women Roofers. Over their twenty-plus years of volunteer work, they have roofed over 160 houses.
While in seminary, Billy Honeycutt and Terry Chandler of Asheville, met and were married August 2, 1975. To them was born Sarah Elizabeth Honeycutt who is married to Brian Graves of Mars Hill, with their children Jonathan, Matthew and Phoebe. Billy and Terry's second child is John Stuart Honeycutt who is married to Jenna Doyle of Salem, VA, with their children Anna Claire and Ellie. Twin sister Beverly Bell lives with her husband Richard in Spartanburg, SC. His brother Lee Honeycutt and wife Sharon live in Columbia, SC.
A worship service was held May 21 at First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton, with Rev. Dr. Joe Yelton and Rev. Dr. D. Larry Gregg officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to Rutherford Housing Partnership, PO Box 1525, Rutherfordton, NC, 28139, or to First Baptist Church, PO Box 839, Rutherfordton, NC, 28139.
