Billy Franklin Brotherton, 89, of Statesville, N.C., died Sunday, July 9, 2023, at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born on April 15, 1934, in Iredell County to the late Charles Edgar Brotherton and Mattie Stevenson Brotherton. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Douglas Brotherton and Rayford Brotherton; a sister, Mary Lee Stroud, and a grandson, Josh Brotherton.

Bill served his country in the U.S. Army, was a member of Sweet Home Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for over 40 years, retired from Southern Screw, where he was a machinist, earned several safe driving awards from Tyson Foods, and worked for Perdue Farms as a poultry farmer for 35 years, winning Grower of the Year three times. He had a green thumb and always had a beautiful garden.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of over 66 years, Martha McHargue Brotherton; three sons, Kent Brotherton (Debra) of Statesville, Mark Brotherton (Cheryl) of England, and Michael Brotherton of the home; three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Sweet Home Baptist Church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jake Easter and Rev. Daniel Settle officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family will visit with friends and family from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Sweet Home Baptist Church, c/o David Trivette, 6017 Hunting Creek Road, Union Grove, NC 28689.

Nicholson Funeral home is honored to serve the Brotherton family.