Willie Roy Etheredge, Jr.

Willie Roy Etheredge, Jr., 60, son of the late Willie Roye Etheredge, Sr. and the late Birdell Adams Etheredge, was born December 18, 1958 in Prosperity, South Carolina.  On Tuesday evening, September 3, 2019 after an extended illness, he answered the call of God and went to his heavenly home.

Willie Roy was known by many names – Sleepy, Roy, Big Jr.  He was educated in the public schools of Lexington County, School district 3, graduating from Batesburg-Leesville High School, Class of 1977.  He loved all sports, but his favorite was basketball.  He played on the high school varsity team with his late friends, Johnny Summers and Odell Quattlebaum.  After high school, he worked at Imperial Casket Factory in Batesburg-Leesville for a short period.  He then joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California.  After an honorable discharge, he returned home to Batesburg-Leesville.  He was employed by Billy Hallman Logging for over 30 years.  He also would cut trees down for family, friends and neighbors.

Willie Roy was preceded in death by both of his parents and one brother, Alvin William Etheredge.

Those left to cherish his precious memories include:  one sister – Betty A. Etheredge of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one brother and sister-in-law – Reverend Sam Adams, Sr. and Deborah Adams of Augusta, Georgia; two nieces – Samantha Adams of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Albertta Smith of Columbia, South Carolina; one nephew – Sam (Elisa) Adams, Jr. of Harrisonburg, Virginia; three aunts – Mary Ruth Etheredge and Everlena A. Ridgell, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Gloria Adams of Morven, North Carolina; three uncles – Tommie (Betty Jo) Etheredge of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Johnnie C. (Janice) Etheredge of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Jimmie L. Etheredge of Wichita, Kansas; one great-aunt – Martha Matthews of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; three great-nieces - Samyah Hale, Morgan Whitelow and Lexxi Smith; two great-nephews – Joseph Adams and Randy Hale; many cousins and friends throughout the community.

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