Willis Henry Overby, after 94 years of living an extraordinary life gave it all up on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, to go be in the presence of the force he considered the most important in his life – God.
Since he was the youngest, all his family made the journey before him –his parents, Thomas and Rhoda Jane Billingsly Overby, his five sisters, Dorothy Wood (Otha), Classie Sinclaire (Henry), Leona Frye (Perry), Mae Hall (Berkley), Ethel Robertson (James), and his brother Calvin Overby (Ila Mae).
Willis was born May 21, 1928, in Stokes County, and he lived out his life in the same place – a 250 acre farm his grandfather purchased. He remained a devoted caretaker of the land with which he was entrusted.
He was always thankful and aware that God blessed him with so very many wonderful adventures and opportunities. He served his country in the Army and the Reserves and finished with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He had the unpresented opportunity of beginning his schooling in a one room school and going to NCSU and UNC. Willis finished a 32 year career in education as Asst. Superintendent that covered beginning as a high school science teacher and holding all the positions along the way to a stint as interim Superintendent of Stokes County Schools. He gave back to his county by serving as County Commissioner. He also chaired The United Way, The Stokes Reynolds Hospital Board, and championed the Soil and Water Commission. Willis became National Ruritan President in 1986. He was an active and devoted member of Snow Hill UMC the majority of his 94 years where he taught Sunday school, sang in the chancel choir and filled so many other positions. He was a recipient of the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow, the Silver Beaver, the Order of the N.C. Long Leaf Pine Society, as well as being an accomplished public speaker.
His best contributions and most important work however was his absolute devotion to the love of his life, his college sweetheart Jeannette L. Overby for 70 years. He was an outstanding and exemplary father, grandfather and great-grandfather to daughters Cindy Roberts (Malcolm), Karen Hartgrove (Mick), Lisa Overby (Becky); grandchildren Jessica Brown (Robert), Kaitlyn Green (Brian), Megan Ring (fiancée Anthony), Tanner Ring (Marrielle), and great-grandchildren Isabella and Isaac Green and Alice and Landon Brown.
He truly was a Renaissance man long before the term was created. He was a creative soul whose work ethic made many of his ideas come true from covered bridges, natural picnic areas, and sand carved sea creatures to building apartment complexes. Willis always lit up a room with his contagious smile, latest joke and welcoming handshake. Losing his positive, uplifting demeanor, strong Christian example and loving spirit will truly be what we will grieve most until we are together again.
The family would like to recognize and thank the staff and administration of Life Brite Hospital for their exceptionally personalized care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: National Ruritan Foundation, Snow Hill Church, or Willis H. Overby Scholarship Fund, Stokes County Schools, Box 50, Attn. Lannet Moore, Danbury, NC 27016.
Willis will lie in state and a register will be available at Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Receiving of friends will be held at North Stokes High School gym from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2023, prior to the service at 3 p.m.
A Celebration of Life service will follow at Snow Hill Church, Monday, February 13 at 11:00 am. with interment in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the N.C. National Guard.
Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel in Sandy Ridge is serving the family.
Online condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net.
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