Billy Christian

Wadesboro - Mr. Billy Christian died Friday, December 30, 2016 at his home. Born in February 1950, in Wadesboro, Billy Christian was the only child of his mother, Jessie Mae Christian who preceded him in death in 2014. He died peacefully in his sleep on this past Friday, December 2016. He will be greatly missed by home and church families. Deacon Christian was born and raised in First Baptist Church, Wadesboro. He was taught Gods Word and received His humble spirit. He became a born again Christian at age 13. He and his wife (then 12) were baptized together in a two-church baptism service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Wadesboro. Deacon Christian attended J.R. Faison School, grades 1 through 11. Then, Anson County Schools consolidated and integrated. He graduated in the first class of integrated (black with white) students. Dr. Martin Luther King, famous civil rights leader, was assassinated in April 1968, just a few months before his June graduation. As a high school scholar, he participated in school safety patrol, industrial arts, student council, football and was on the school wrestling team. Deacon Christian and his wife were school mates and prom dates but attended separate colleges, she: WSSU, a teachers college and he: CPCC, a liberal arts community college. Deacon Christian attended Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte and received two business degrees. Upon graduation, he was employed by Iveys of South Park Mall in Charlotte during the early years. He continued working there as that store was sold to Dillards Department Store Chain. He served in the capacity of dock supervisor and associate in the stores shipping and receiving department. God blessed him to work 45 continuous years, most of which were perfect attendance years. This meant driving to and from Charlotte every work day for 45 years to support his family. To God be the Glory! After college, Deacon Christian married his high school sweetheart and to this union four children were born; two sons, Billy, Jr. and Chris and two daughters: Kenya and Yazmyn. He also has several grandchildren with the family names of Christian, Marshall and Warris. Billy Christian was ordained as deacon under Rev. Howard Campbell. Bishop Walter Ellerbe led the ordination service. His wife was made deaconess. He also served as an usher and on the choir. Before Rev. Campbell retired as First Baptist Church pastor, Deacon Christian served many years as Superintendent of the Sunday School and a Sunday School teacher. He was always willing to serve. To God be the Glory! When he first became ill, Pastor Everett and the First Baptist Church family and others, prayed him back to church. He was just here for worship on Christmas Sunday and here again in spirit on this communion Sunday, New Years Day by the grace of God. We will miss his humbleness, kindness, inspired wisdom and great sense of humor. The Christian Family would like to thank First Baptist Church for all prayers and praises raised for Deacon Christians sake. May God so richly bless you in this New Year, 2017. Special thanks to the Leavitt Funeral Home in the person of Ken Caulder, who befriended Deacon Christians mother when she needed him, and now. Deacon Christian was so pleased with his mothers service; he commented privately he would also use this same company for himself. Funeral services will be 1:30PM Sunday, January 1, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Sikes Avenue with Pastor Gregory Everett officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Park. The family will greet friends from 1:00pm until 1:30pm at the church on Sunday. Burial Westview Memorial Park Sunday January 1st, 2017 HWY 74 Wadesboro, NC 28170 Special Instructions: Following the service. Funeral Service First Baptist Church, Sikes Avenue Sunday January 1st, 2017 1:00pm 722 Sikes Avenue Wadesboro, NC 28170 Special Instructions: Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service.