Billy Waldrup

Billy Ray Waldrup, age 88, of State Road, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Born on Jan. 2, 1936, in Yadkin County, Bill was the son of the late Sidney Waldrup and Sarah Hall Waldrup. Known as Bill to his beloved wife, Dad to his children, and Pops to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering strength. Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Margaret Estelle Waldrup, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He exemplified commitment, caring for Estelle full-time when her health began to decline and visiting her daily after she moved to the nursing home. A man of great work ethic, Bill was deeply dedicated to providing for his family. He worked tirelessly for American National Can (formerly Stroh's) for many years without ever missing a single day. Despite working 12-hour shifts and commuting nearly two hours daily, Bill always returned home with energy and joy to engage with his children, attend their events, and be fully present in their lives. An avid golfer, Bill loved spending time on the greens at Cedarbrook Country Club. He was still actively walking and playing 18 holes daily at age 84 until stepping back to care for Estelle. His passion for golf was recognized in a local newspaper article that celebrated his dedication to the game (https://www.elkintribune.com/news/eighteen-holes-every-day-at-84/article_41230407-1856-53a9-b82a-6fda3e4b5a9f.html). In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Margaret Estelle Waldrup; his son, John Waldrup of Ronda; his daughter, Sally Waldrup Brown and her husband Mike of Belmont; five grandchildren, Kevin Dobbins Waldrup, Phillip Dobbins Waldrup, Sydne Tyee Dobbins Waldrup, Nathan Michael Brown, and Lauren Marisa Brown; and two great-grandchildren, Leila Symone Dobbins and Cierra Danielle Dobbins. A funeral service to honor Bill's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at Johnson Funeral Home, with Brandon Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home of Elkin is respectfully serving the Waldrup family. Online condolences may be made at www.johnson-funeral.com.