William Currie Rivenbark Jr.

William Currie Rivenbark, Jr., affectionately called Billy by many, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025.

Born July 21, 1936, to the late William Currie Rivenbark, Sr. and Otha Mae Puckett Rivenbark, Billy was one of four children. In 1950, at only 14 years old, Billy joined the newly formed Wrightsboro Volunteer Fire Department. Bringing fire protection to his community was a big responsibility for someone so young, but Billy never was one to ignore what needed to be done. He found a second home in the firehouse, growing up with the department he helped to create. Billy led his family to value community and service. His wife Etta was a member of the WVFD Women's Auxiliary and all three of his children joined the fire department. He even watched his grandchildren play among the trucks. He served as Assistant Chief for 23 years and remained an active member into retirement as a Safety Officer. At the time of his passing, Billy was the last remaining charter member of the department. As a fire fighter, Billy faithfully served his community for over 65 years.

But first and foremost, Billy was a family man. Truly illustrating the tall and short of it, Billy married Etta Kerr on July 21, 1957. Together they raised three children and shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Now, most people will tell you that Billy was not the talkative type. Seemingly stoic and reserved, to his family Billy was always warm and loving. He could bring a smile to an entire room with his dry humor and a quiet chuckle. Whether it be brushing a tangle from his granddaughter's hair or helping his son mow the lawn, Billy showed everyone what it meant to be a father. Family was so important to Billy that his favorite hobby was archiving the family genealogy. With immaculate records, Billy traced the many branches and off shoots of his family. Later in life, Billy found companionship with his old friend and second wife Wilhemenia Stanland Rivenbark, and he remained devoted to her until her passing.

Billy is preceded in death by his oldest sister, Betty Rivenbark Swart; his wife Etta Kerr Rivenbark; and his companion Wilhemenia Stanland Rivenbark. Billy is survived by his three children, Cynthia "Cindy" Rivenbark Coleman, William A. Rivenbark, and Frank Rivenbark (Kim); his three grandchildren, Kathryn Coleman Howard (Chris), Sarah Coleman, and Brandon Rivenbark (Katie); three great-grandchildren, Ariana Howard, Kieran Stafford, and Arlo Stafford; two siblings, Barbara Rivenbark, and Charles Rivenbark (Ann) and many, many other extended family and friends archived among the pages of his beloved genealogy records.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 7 to 8 pm Friday December 5, 2025 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services are planned for 2 pm Saturday December 6, 2025 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. His burial will be at Bethany Presbyterian Church.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.