Rev. Billy Franklin Pipes

1938 - 2023

Rev. Billy Franklin Pipes

February 26, 1938 - September 11, 2023

The Rev. Billy Franklin Pipes, 85, of Hickory passed away peacefully Monday, September 11, 2023 following a period of declining health.

Born February 26, 1938 in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late John Thomas Pipes and Ola Kirby Pipes. He was also preceded in death by five sisters and one brother.

At age 17, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for five years. Billy was a member of and ordained through Oak Grove Baptist Church. He attended Fruitland Bible Institute and earned his Bachelor of Divinity Degree for Luther Rice Seminary.

In addition to the ministry, Billy was employed with Caldwell County Emergency Medical Services for several years and retired from Catawba County EMS in 1991 after 15 years of service.

Billy never met a stranger. He was known for his sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. One of his favorite places was the front porch of his mountain cabin.

Left to cherish his memory is "the love of his life" and wife of 43 years, Darlene Eller Pipes. His daughter, Teresa (Michael) Nouri of Evansville, Indiana and sons, Billy (Marie) Pipes Jr. of Granite Falls, Eric (Connie) Pipes of Hudson and Daren (Tammy) Blankenship of Rochester, New York. His grandchildren, Eric (Cristina) Pipes II, Erin Pipes, Jordan Nouri, Damian, Keegan, Joelle and Conley Blankenship. Three precious great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Gabriel and Urijah Pipes and many "beloved" cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service with military honors was held at Oak Grove Baptist Church cemetery with the Rev. Edwin Elmore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 4950 Oak Grove Church Road (P.O. Box 566) Granite Falls, NC 28630.

Bass-Smith Granite is serving the Pipes family.