Billy Brice

William Harvey “Billy” Brice, 81, of Saratoga, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

A visitation will be at Wilson Memorial Service, Thursday, 6:00-8:00 PM. A graveside service will be at Evergreen Memorial Park Friday at 11:00 AM.

Mr. Brice remained active in his church and community for as long as his health allowed, slowing only after a fall last year that injured his shoulder and later another that broke his hip, prompting a move to his sister’s home. Even after hip surgery, he recovered enough strength to rejoin the 6 a.m. breakfast crowd at Ray’s Drive-In, where—though he enjoyed the food—he cherished the hugs and affection from the waitresses most of all. On Saturday, March 14th, while at Ray’s, he began experiencing dizziness caused by a stroke. After two days in the hospital, he was transferred to Wilson Rehab Center, where his symptoms progressed. The final stage of his illness moved quickly, and he passed away in the emergency room, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Brice retired from Forbes Trucking after many dedicated years on the road and proudly served in the National Guard. He found joy in simple, steady work, especially cutting grass, and he faithfully kept the grounds at Saratoga Original Free Will Baptist Church—his spiritual home for more than 70 years. His devotion to the Lord was the quiet foundation of his life, guiding his actions and shaping the kindness he showed to others.

He is survived by his sister and devoted caretaker, Ann Brice of Wilson; daughter, Tammy Skinner (Donnie) of Pinetops; grandchildren, Katie Holden (Jordan) and John Skinner; step-daughter, Diane Hardy (Wayne) of Nashville; step-son, Jimmy Boswell of Stantonsburg; step-grandchildren, Melissa Cooper (Chris), Tracy Sledge (Charlie), Bobby Joe Stevens (Twana), Samantha Adams (Gundy), Jamie Price (Dwight), Allen Boswell, and Timothy Boswell; great-grandson, Everette Thomas Holden; step-great-grandchildren, Izick and Justus Boswell and Conner, Lucas, and Madison Price; nephew, Gerald Brice (Heather) of Macclesfield.

Mr. Brice was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Frances Pittman Brice; parents, John Everett Brice and Annie Lee Hinton Brice; brother, Fred Brice; sister-in-law, Linda Johnson Brice; step-son, Ricky Boswell; special friend, Lottie Barbour.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Saratoga Original Free Will Baptist Church, 6122 US Hwy 117, Lucama, NC 27851.

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