WILLIAM TERRELL POSEY
Died May 2, 2014
William Terrell Posey, 80, of Goldsboro, died Friday, May 2, 2014.
Born in Rome, Ga., Billy Terrell grew up in the Pebble Community of Haleyville, Ala. His love of the Lord was expressed in his early days by singing gospel, shape-note music with his parents and church choir. It was at a church choir rehearsal in Double Springs Ala., where he met his future bride, Virginia Bailey.
Bill's life was defined by his love of God, family, country and friends. He spent three years at the University of Alabama and then received a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he continued his love of singing with the Academy church choir. Upon graduation in 1959 with the 11th Company, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force and spent a career doing what he loved most, flying. While serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, he received numerous decorations, including the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States of America, the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and the Bronze Star, awarded for heroism in a combat theater.
After 20 years traveling the world with such diverse missions as the space capsule recovery program as well as flying supplies into the Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, Germany, he retired from the Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Bill began his civilian career as an engineer with the city of Goldsboro and later with the 4th Civil Engineering Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. He then went to work for HW Reinhardt & Co., where he was still working upon his death.
Bill gave back to his community in so many ways. For 30 years, he was an active volunteer with the North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union, serving as president, and then chairman of the board of directors. In 2005, he was recognized as both the North Carolina and National Credit Union Volunteer of the Year. Bill was also active with the Goldsboro Ruritan Club. One special event this week was the annual barbecue chicken dinner, where he provided tickets for the widows and shut-ins.
Bill's love of music continued throughout his life singing with the Saulston United Methodist Church Choir and the men's group. He also served on the church finance committee and was sought out for guidance on a multitude of projects. Bill was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing two rounds a week with his dear friends at the Lane Tree Golf Course. He shot one of his best rounds a week before his death.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Roy Posey, sheriff of Winston County, Ala., and Vara Benford Posey, and his children, daughter Lisa Kay and son William Byron Posey.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Virginia Bailey Posey; his highest admirer, daughter Emilee Posey Blount; and his musical namesake protégé, grandson Nathan Terrell Blount.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 4, 2014, at 5 p.m. at Saulston United Methodist Church, with a reception immediately following outside on the Saulston ballfield. We hope you will stay for the "lawn chair revival," one of Bill's favorites. Burial with full military honors will be on Friday, May 9, 2014, at 4 p.m. in the Ephesus Baptist Church family cemetery in the Pebble Community, Haleyville, Ala.
Our lives are much richer for having been touched by you, we love and miss you so.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(pd.)
Published in Obituaries on May 4, 2014 11:47 AM