August 22, 1936 ~ July 6, 2025 (age 88)
Billy Alton Small went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 6, 2025 following an extended illness. He was 88 years old.
He was born August 22, 1936, to Charlie Alton and Elizabeth Cherry Small of Fair Bluff, North Carolina.
Billy attended Fair Bluff School through the 10th grade and transferred to Campbell College for the 11th and 12th grades, where he subsequently graduated from High School and College in 1955. He enjoyed playing baseball and was an All-American each year at Campbell. Billy served in the National Guard and afterwards was asked to join the Philadelphia Phillies—but chose instead to continue the family tradition of a career in the tobacco industry and to raise a family. He worked for Lorillard Tobacco in Danville, Va., as a tobacconist for over 30 years. He was the buying supervisor for Lorillard’s Border Belt Bright-Leaf Division.
Billy was an active member of the Fair Bluff Baptist Church where he served on various church committees and touched many lives. He served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and track coach. He worked tirelessly to help rebuild the Church facilities in the aftermath of the devastating floods caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Billy coached many seasons of Little League and church ball in Fair Bluff. He was a lifelong supporter of Campbell College and Southeastern Community College.
His hobbies were golfing, fishing, and pulling for his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves.
He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Hilda Morris Small, three daughters; Elizabeth S. Scott — husband Greg, Jennifer S. Floyd, Alison S. Burroughs — husband Trent, three grandchildren; Cameron T. Burroughs, Tiffany F. Buffkin — husband Lester, Kristen M. Burroughs, two great-grandchildren; Carrigan and McKenzie Buffkin, a sister Sylvia S. Hipps — husband Warren and a brother, Charles “Hank” Small — Jan.
The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Monique Snouten and Bonnie Lee, and to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their untiring care and loving service to our family during our time of need.
Visitation is to be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Meares and Jones Funeral Service in Fair Bluff. A private burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9th at the Powell Cemetery, Fair Bluff.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
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