Billy Jay Baity, 81, of Statesville, N.C., entered into Heaven’s gates on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.

Billy was born on October 18, 1940, in the Vashti Community of Alexander County and was the son of the late Rev. Homer Albert Baity and Mattie Reavis Baity. He attended Alexander County schools. On June 22, 1963, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Messick Baity, who survives.

Mr. Baity loved traveling, playing golf and pool. He also enjoyed restoring and showing classic cars. Bill was a sweet, kind, and gentle soul, who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. To know him was to love him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baity was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

Along with his wife of 59 years, Billy is survived by his two daughters, Kimberlye Baity Privette (Mitchell) and Melynn Baity Cairo; son, Bill J. Baity, Jr. Esq.; three grandchildren, Hannah P. Nicholson (Matt), Madison Alexandra Cairo, and Meredith Kellen Cairo, Esq.; and two great grandchildren, Ryleigh Nicholson and Rhett Nicholson.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, September 11, with Rev. Darren Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Dr. Gustavo Delgado, Michael Messick, Mark Baity, Matt Nicholson, Israel Messick and Gary Church

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hebron Baptist Church, 175 Hebron Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.