Mr. Billy McGrath Meares, age 80, of Lumberton, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.  He was born on October 8, 1939 in Robeson County, NC to the late Arthur Earl Meares and the late Etta Mae Paul Meares Musselwhite.  He was formerly employed with Pepsi-Cola Co. for forty-five years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Ruth Powers, Pauline Powers, Barbara Rose Thompson, Earl Meares, Margaret Miller, Carolyn Kinlaw, Patty Bryan and Betty Joyce Adcox.

He leaves to cherish his memories with his loving wife of 63 years, Alice Smith Meares; his son, Bobby Ray Meares (Robin); two daughters, Deborah M. Parker (Randy) and Michelle M. Floyd (Gary); a sister, Wanda Meares Herring (Charlie); his grandchildren, Aaron B. Meares, Patrick D. Parker, Michael C. Parker, Brandon M. Parker, Tyler A. Floyd and Kelli F. Skipper; and eight great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, one hour prior to the service, from 1:00-2:00PM at Ten Mile Baptist Church in Lumberton.

A funeral service will follow the visitation on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 2:00PM at Ten Mile Baptist Church with Rev. David McClellan officiating.  Burial will follow at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton.