William “Billy” McLawhorn, 76, of La Grange passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, in New Bern. Services are private.

Billy was born September 23, 1947, in Beaufort County to Mac and Mary Whitford McLawhorn. Billy’s family moved to Kinston from New Bern in 1959 and he attended Grainger High School until 1964. He graduated from Vanceboro Farm Life High School in 1965. Billy joined the US Army in 1966 and was stationed in Okinawa for three years as a Specialist 1 Decoder. After proudly serving his country, he returned to Kinston and received his Associate of Arts Degree as well as his certificate in Auto Body Repair from Lenoir Community College. Billy spent eight years employed as Crew Cleaner Chief for Defender Cleaner Corp at DuPont. He also worked in construction and relocated to Richmond, VA to work in construction at the shipyards. He also worked as a roofer from 2004 to 2007 before retiring due to declining health.

Billy is survived by his sisters, Donna M. Cheek and husband, R.E. Cheek, Alice N. Jarman and husband Michael; Brother, William R. Nash; nephews, Adam Turner, Nicholas T. Cheek, Michael J. Jarman; niece, Amanda J. Odom. He is also survived by 13 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Sheryl M. Turnage; and his stepfather, William E. Nash.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32256.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.