Billy Ray Corns Obituary (1947 - 2023)

MADISON - Billy Ray Corns, 75, born October 4, 1947 in Lawsonville, NC, passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 11, 2023 at 12:00 - High Noon. It was a bright, bright, sunshiny day. Billy, better known as Bill by most, and Willie by a few, graduated from North Stokes High School. He attended and played college basketball at Mitchell College in Statesville. He met and married his soul mate and wonderfully devoted wife, Lillie Mae (Coe) Corns in 1968. They shared a beautiful and full life for nearly 55 years. Billy was a devoted provider and protector of his wife, Lillie Mae, as well as to his children, Donald, Dedra (Deedee), and James. Billy dedicated his life to his family, his work, and his work family. He worked in textiles initially with Madison Throwing Co. He devoted 25+ years to MacField and in 1993 became a partner in McMichael Mills Inc. He was an honest and loyal employee and employer. He had a way of motivating those around him to always give and do their best. He was a brilliant, big-picture man and a great problem solver. His grandchildren were always listening to gain a little bit of wisdom when he spoke. In his early years, he enjoyed playing guitar, playing golf and softball, playing in the yard with his kids and neighbor kids, as well as being a volunteer coach for his kid's sports teams. Billy had a way of lighting up a room with his smile, laughter, and witty sense of humor. To know him was to love him. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lillie Mae (Coe) Corns of the home; children, Donald Ray Corns of Madison, NC (Amanda), Dedra Rene' Corns Bowers of Morganton, NC (Keith) and James Paul Corns of Stoneville, NC (Susan); 14 grandchildren, Chelsie, Brantley, Trevor, Hannah, Katie, Bailey, Abi, Sidney, Lili, Grace, Jamie, Ella, Tyler, and Jenna; 5 great-grandchildren, Addison, Judah Ray, Colton, Connor, and Cruze; along with his siblings, Ruth Corns Rodgers of Lawsonville, NC (Thomas), David Corns of Madison, NC and Clyde Corns of Danbury, NC (Tina). Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Lou Hazelwood Corns Luther; his father, Major James Corns; sister, Fae Corns Martin and brother-in-law, Thomas Rodgers Services will be held on Tuesday, March 14th at 12:00 - High Noon, at Colonial Funeral Home and Chapel in Madison with burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (11 am to 12 Noon) and other times at the residence. We extend a heartfelt Thank You to Billy's doctors, nurses, and staff at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, as well as, Hospice of Rockingham County. Donations are appreciated and should be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375