SEDLEY - William Davis (Billy) Whitehead, of Sedley, Virginia, was born in Franklin, Virginia, December 7, 1950. He passed away in his family home in Sedley and went to be with God November 6, 2007. He was predeceased by his father Alvin Frank Whitehead and sister- in-law Betty Jo Harrell Whitehead. He leaves behind his mother, Marjorie Davis Whitehead, his wife of 30 years, Lorraine and three sons; Blake, his wife Megan; Austin, his wife Monica; and youngest son, Caleb; Brother Frank and his wife Barbara; Brother Doug and Sister Kaye Whitehead Story and her husband Rubin. Nieces and nephews include Ryan Whitehead, Ginny Whitehead Carr, Erica Whitehead, and Angela Story. Billy was also very close to his wife's family who helped to take care of him. They include LaRue and Sidney Brittle, Cheryl Greene Stepp, Minnie and Keith Rose, Sidney Jr.(Toot) and Laurie Brittle all of Sedley and Kay Greene Slagel and husband Michael of Plantation Florida. Nieces and nephews include Mandy Hewett; Brian and Kristen Rose; Carter, Cole and Whitley Brittle; Taylor, Lexie and Little Michael Slagel.
Billy played harmonica in the local Franklin Hog Bear Band since the 1970's. Band members, also considered extended family, include Bebo Whitehead, Stephen Hudgins, Benji Beale and Billy Hatch (deceased). The band had recently played at the Southampton County Fair.
Billy was a member of Hunterdale Christian Church where he served as a deacon and chairman of the music committee. He owned and operated Whitehead and Son Roofing and Siding Company for 30 years. His son, Blake, continues the business. Billy's most important work, however, was his function as a sponsor, brother/father figure to hundreds in recovery all over the United States. Despite the fact that he was crippled from surgery in 1997, his disability never swayed him from accomplishing his work for God here on Earth. He was always there for anyone who needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a meal or just a safe place to rest from the burden's of this world.
There was nothing on earth that Billy loved more than his wife, boys and family. He never let a day go by without saying, "I love you." While his years were short, he lived a full and amazing life. God loved him and he loved God. If Neil Young were still searching for a "Heart of Gold" he could have found it in Billy Whitehead, Sedley, Virginia…AKA My Man.
A grave side service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, at Riverside Cemetery, Courtland with the Rev. Don Rosie, officiating.
Memorials may be made to Sedley Volunteer Fire Department or Hunterdale Christian Church.