Billy Carris Meares, Sr., 86, of Lumberton, NC, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC. He was born in Robeson County, NC on November 25, 1934 to the late Luther Abner Meares and the late Cora Baxley Meares.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Ava Marie Meares; a brother, Cecil Meares; and two sisters, Joyce K. Paul and Ava Gray Martin.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Igneri Meares of the home; two sons, William Kirk Meares (Sandie) and William Keith Meares (Ami), all of Lumberton, NC; a special cousin, Ray Branch of Winston-Salem, NC; a special uncle, Norman Meares (Sally) of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Dustin Meares, James Meares, and Brianna Meares; and three great-grandchildren: Kole Meares, Waylon Meares, and Zayden Meares.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Saturday, November 27, 2021, from 1:00-2:00 PM at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM with Pastor Michael Bowen officiating. Burial will follow in New Hollywood Cemetery in Lumberton, NC.