Rev. Billy G. Washburn passed away Saturday Aug. 22, 2009 in the presence of his family. Born Mar. 22, 1928 in Cleveland Co., he was a son of the late Waylan and Frances Barnette Washburn. He was a graduate of Gardner Webb College, Wake Forest University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. After serving as Pastor to a number of churches in North Carolina and Virginia he retired in 1990. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a dear son, Bruce Craig Washburn of Lynchburg Va. and a sister, Margaret Godfrey of Winston-Salem. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of almost sixty-one years Sue Ledbetter Washburn; and sons Bill Jr. and wife Denise, Brent and wife Sherri, Barry and wife Wanda. Also surviving are two sisters; Erlene Greene and husband Roy of Bradenton, Fl. and Patsy Allman of York, SC. Brothers include; Charles and wife Sue of Greenville SC, Troy and wife Trudy of Shelby, Carl and wife Melinda of Shelby, Tyree and wife June of Shelby, and John and wife Brenda of Olive Branch, Ms. The family also includes nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Matthew Rees, his associates, and staff for their honesty and compassion during our Fathers illness. A service of remembrance will be held at the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, NC on Saturday September 5th at two o’clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any organization supporting cancer research.