Billy Boykin

Billy Ray Boykin, 85, of Wilson, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and two daughters.

Billy was born on April 18, 1941, in Walstonburg, NC, to the late James Marvin Boykin and Mertha Massey Boykin. After graduating from Walstonburg High School, he began his career with Southern Life Insurance Company, where he served as a Regional Manager in Wilson. Following retirement, he continued serving his community as a bail bondsman, private investigator, and rental property owner.

Billy spent most of his life in Wilson, where he was an active member of the Elks Lodge and the Optimist Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and landscaping, and had a special appreciation for the outdoors. With an endlessly curious mind, he developed an extensive knowledge of cars and a passion for restoring older homes, which became an important part of his rental business.

Above all, Billy loved his family and friends. He treasured time together, enjoyed memorable trips, and took pride in creating lasting memories with those he loved. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the family’s home on Lake Gaston, where he enjoyed taking family members out on the boat, working in the yard, and fishing from the pier. Lake Gaston held a special place in his heart, and those memories will be cherished by his family for years to come.

Billy will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man who took great pride in his family. His humor, warmth, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Pitts Boykin; his daughters, Shannon Thompson of Midlothian, VA, and Stephanie Schreiber (Brad) of Waxhaw, NC; his grandchildren, Aaron Thompson, Anna Thompson, Anderson Carranza, Madison Schreiber, and Allie Schreiber; his great-grandchildren, Mila Carranza and Levi Carranza; and his sister, Ann Simpson of Trinity, NC.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Boykin.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the care teams and staff at Compassionate Care Solutions, the Sunshine Agency, and Gentiva Hospice of Wilson for the compassion, support, and guidance they provided to Billy and his family. Their kindness will always be remembered and appreciated.

A Celebration of Life, followed by a reception, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Wilson Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org/chapters/north-carolina-chapter-raleigh-office

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC 27896, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com