Willis “Bill or Billy” Powers Holding, Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT - Willis "Bill or Billy" Powers Holding, Jr., born in Rocky Mount, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018. He would have been 86 on December 27, 2018. He was the son of the late Willis Powers Holding, Sr. and Grace Robbins Holding. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Etta May Holding Eason; and brother-in-law, Robert A. Eason. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount where he served as an usher for several years. He attended Wake Forest College and majored in Business Administration. He was employed at Belk Tyler stores for 17 years, some as Department Manager in Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Greenville. He served in the Army for two years stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and in the Army Reserves for four years. In 1973, he opened Interstate Catalog Sales (ICS) in Rocky Mount which was a thriving business for 13 years. He enjoyed a good relationship with his employees, who always showed praise and gratitude for their employment. He had great love for his many friends and showed a very friendly disposition to everyone, always with a smile and handshake. He loved his family. They were important to him. Later in life he became a real estate salesman, working six years for Ernest Bridges, Signature Communities, earning Salesman of the Year in 2003. Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 17 years, Jean Eason Davis Burris Holding; daughters, Georgianna Holding Spungin and husband, Len, of Durham and Kristin Holding Highsmith and husband, Hugh, of Wilmington; step-daughter, Beverly Davis Sampson of Greenville, SC; step-sons, Dr. John Davis of Blowing Rock, and Andy Davis of Charlotte. He is also survived by grandchildren, Michael and Katie Highsmith of Wilmington; niece, Nancy Eason Smith and husband, Floyd, of Rocky Mount; and nephew Robert A. Eason, Jr. and wife, Mary, of Austin, TX. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with the Rev. Bill Grisham officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Saturday 12/29, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church. Service First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Saturday 12/29, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with the Rev. Bill Grisham officiating. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Saturday 12/29, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery.