Billy Gray Leegins, Sr.

Billy Gray Leegins, Sr. October 9, 1931 – October 28, 2018 Billy Gray Leegins, Sr., 87, of Wilson passed away Sunday. A graveside service will be conducted Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson. The Rev. Charles Robl will officiate. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 1 – 3 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Billy served his country with honor and pride through active and reserve service with the U.S. Air Force totaling forty years. He served both during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was past commander three times for the Wilson American Legion and a life time member, member of the VFW, 40/8 member and a member of DAV for twenty-two years. Billy is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Vessie Jane “Janie” Leegins of the home; daughter, Katie Jane Leegins-Vinson and husband, Jeff of Greenville; sons, Billy Gray Leegins, Jr. and wife, Rhonda of Wilson and Barney Langley Leegins of Wilson; granddaughters, Victoria Hare-Leegins and husband, Gabriel, Elizabeth Grayson Leegins and Caroline Grayce Leegins; grandson, Clayton Samuel Vinson and family friend, Rufus Hawley. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Leegins; mother, Katie Hobgood Hawley; step-father, Hussey Hawley and his brother, Leo Leegins. Flowers are welcome or consider memorials in Billy’s memory to Wilson DAV of Wilson Chapter 8, 8226 Spring Hill Church Road, Lucama, North Carolina 27851. Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.