In memoriam: William Boyle York

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of William Boyle York of York Roofing Company.

William Boyle York, age 80, of Winterville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026. Billy was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. Whether he was known as Billy, Dad or Poppy, his kind spirit and tender heart will be deeply missed.

Billy was born in Lumberton, North Carolina on June 14, 1945 to J.D. and Mary Alice York. Billy graduated from Lumberton High School in 1964 and attended the Fayetteville Technical Institute. After meeting Gail Kelly of Raeford on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1962, they were married on June 18, 1966. Their marriage was the start of a wonderful life together which will be remembered with love on their 60th wedding anniversary next month.

Billy’s early career was spent as a draftsman for the State of North Carolina Department of Education in Raleigh and Hayes-Howell Architects in Southern Pines. Billy proudly served his state and country in the North Carolina National Guard from 1966 to 1972. Upon his father’s death in 1972, Billy and his brother Donald carried forward the family roofing business, York Roofing Company, based in Lumberton, until its closure. Whether as an independent business owner or serving other companies, roofing was Billy's vocation as he logged thousands of miles across North and South Carolina providing the quality workmanship and expertise that was so important to him. Billy loved art and the outdoors from a young age and he combined these pursuits in his passion for duck carving and in his retirement years of life, oil painting. Billy also enjoyed playing golf, surf fishing the North Carolina coast and spending time with his family, including his Poodle, Henry.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Bonnie and his brother, Burke.

Billy is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Kelly York Robertson and his beloved grandsons, Charles Davenport Robertson and Duncan Boyle Robertson, all of Winterville. He is also survived by his brother Donald of Lumberton.

The family wishes to express the deepest gratitude to the staff of Spring Arbor of Kinston and Gentiva Hospice of Kinston. Their care, compassion and love towards “Mr. Billy” were gifts that will always be treasured.

A service celebrating Billy’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, North Carolina on May 30th at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends after the service in the welcome center. A private interment of his ashes will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s memory to the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina or The Gentiva Foundation.

Please visit www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Boyle-York?obId=48468345.

May we all remember the York family and friends during this time.