Billy Joe Priest, age 72, of Lumberton, NC died on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. He was born in Robeson County, NC on June 26, 1937 to Thomas Miller and Annie Belle Tyner Priest. He previously worked as a water tank builder.

Mr. Priest is survived by his wife, Linda Cheshire of Orrum, NC; four sons, Billy Earl Priest and special friend, Adaline of Red Springs, NC, Joseph Priest and wife, Pamela of Gainesville, FL, Carlton Priest and wife Antionette of Auburn, GA and Timothy Priest and special friend, Sherry of the home; four daughters, Pamela Kearns and husband, Wyman, Barbara Hunt and husband, Ricky, Donna Odum and husband, Terry and Allison Ivey and husband, Greg, all of Lumberton, NC; special friend, Bill Murdock; twenty-one grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton with Rev. Ron Murdock and Rev. Terry Oxendine officiating.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc, 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton.