Billy Ray Corbett

Billy Ray Corbett was born to the late Hardy Sr. and Nancy Lee Corbett on August 7, 1935, in Faison, Duplin County, North Carolina. He was educated at Kerr Elementary and Bland High School. After school, he joined the United States Army. During his military tenure, he was stationed at Fort Lee Virginia for Advance Individual Training (AIT). He went on to serve overseas in Germany and France before being honorably discharged. After his military service, Billy worked in the textile industry until he retired. He was a lifelong member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. Billy went on to serve faithfully as both a deacon and trustee and was always committed to continued excellence in all he did for the kingdom until his health failed.

On September 5, 1959, he married the love of his life, Laura Mae Kerr, whom he affectionately called “Boot” and remained united for 65 years. “Boot” continues to cherish his memory. During Billy’s illness, “Boot,” served him as only a godly Proverbs 31 woman could. To this union five children were born, C. Garry R. Kerr (Maura), Billy M. Corbett, Nancy (Jackie) Alford (Willie), Jerry Corbett, and Daphene Lane. He was blessed with 11 Grandchildren, Durwin (Candace), Markus Andre, Latisha, Delvon (Zee), Curtiss, Quintell, Wiletta, Antuanne, Brandon, and Brandi. One Grandson, Jordan preceded him in death. He was blessed further with 14 Great-Grandchildren, Christian, Tommy, MaNai, Jade, Trevon, Amari, Markus, Jayden, Justin, Skylar, Braydon, Antuanne II (Deuce), Kali, Haven, and Destiny. He even had one Great-Great Grandchild, Alani. Billy enjoyed his special daughters, Chinithia, Beth, and Veronica, and his special sons Hardy (Butch) Watkins and Donald Lamb. Clement Burney was his church son and Billy also enjoyed spending time with him. He shared special moments with his sister, Evelyn Boykin, his sisters in love, Mary (Tha) Newkirk, and Shirley Kerr, his brother in love and best friend Julius (Nancy) Kerr.

His parents, three brothers Hardy Jr., Nathaniel, and Nero, and his two sisters Virginia and Hannah, all preceded him in death. His brothers in love, Dennis, Carl, Alford, and Leon also preceded him in death. There is a host of other relatives and friends who were near to his heart.

Billy Ray was a Christian, faithful husband, caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a great-great-grandfather. He was a man with impeccable character and unquestionable integrity. He was known to share a word of wisdom with anyone he encountered along the way, and always wore a loving smile that would light up a room. He will be missed by all who knew him, and his family is grateful that he now enjoys eternal rest with the Lord God Most High in heaven.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Ivanhoe, NC. He will be laid to rest at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Cemetery in Harrells, NC following the service.

Arrangements are provided by Carter Funeral Home of Garland, www.carterfh.com