William "Billy" Lennon Starling, Jr.

William Lennon (Billy) Starling, Jr. died Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at his home at 408 Inverness Road, surrounded by family and caregivers.

Following a private interment, a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2016 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Dr. Ray Ammons officiating.

Born in 1928 in Clinton, Billy was the son of the late William Lennon and Hilda Baggett Starling.  He was a retired executive with Belk having built and managed stores in Clinton and the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina.   He was honored as a Paul Harris Rotarian and was active in civic and business organizations in both communities.  He took special pride in his service to the North Carolina National Guard 30th Brigade in Clinton and Raleigh, rising to the rank of major.  He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church serving as a Sunday School teacher, Boy Scout leader, and deacon. 

He is survived by two sons: William Joel Starling and wife, Alta Royal Starling of Clinton, Paul Britt Starling, MD and wife Donna Merritt Starling of Wilmington; five grandchildren: William Joel Starling, Jr. and wife Annette Chancy Starling, Charles Britt Starling, Michael Britt Starling, Catherine Marie Starling, and Julia Merritt Starling.; and great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Starling and William Joel Starling, III. He is also survived by a brother Luther Donald Starling and wife Annell Daughtry Starling, a sister Edith Harrison, and brother-in-law William Kopp.

He is preceded in death by his parents William Lennon and Hilda Baggett Starling; his wife, Catherine Britt Starling, brother Joel Lambert Starling, and sister Janie Starling Kopp.

A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the church, and other times at his home.  

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the caregivers who provided comfort and care during his illness: Valentina Rice, Mary Williamson, Teresa Raynor, and Denise Troublefield.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Christian Activity Center Fund c/o First Baptist Church, 408 College St., Clinton, NC  28328.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Starling Family.