William "Bill" Clarence Blue

William "Bill" Clarence Blue, 86, of Mt. Gilead passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital in Albemarle.

A visitation will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Bumgarner Family Funeral Service in Troy from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Born on July 9, 1938, in Montgomery County, he was a son of the late Walter and Lilly Alexander Blue. Bill's life was characterized by his enduring love and devotion to his family. Bill's life was marked by his passion for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life. His hands were rarely still, as he found solace and joy in gardening. A lover of Westerns, Bill could be found most evenings with his feet up, immersed in the tales of cowboys and the old frontier. His practical skills were legendary; there was nothing he couldn't fix, a trait that served him well in his professional life and at home. In his younger years, Bill was an avid rabbit hunter.

His dedication to his community was evidenced by his many years of service as the former Fire Chief of the Wadeville Fire Department. Bill's commitment to serving others extended to his professional career, where he retired from Capels Rug Mill as a fixer after more than 60 years of dedicated work. Bill was also a member of the Stoney Fork Baptist Church in Mt. Gilead for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, JoAnn Byrd Blue of the home; daughters, Beverly Blue Poole (Greg) of Locust, and Denise Blue Thompson (Anthony) of Mt. Gilead; sister, Katherine Jane Ormsby of Wilmington; grandchildren, Emily Hitt, Clay Thompson (Meredith), Tracey Hardwick (Alexandra), and Dylan Hardwick (Ali); and great-granddaughter, Josie. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Peggy Workman, Bob Blue, Calvin Blue, June Blue, James "Nook" Blue, and Clyde "Tie" Malcom Blue, with whom he is now reunited.

Memorials may be made to Stoney Fork Baptist Church, 175 Stoney Fork Church Rd, Mt Gilead, NC 27306.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the family.

Stoney Fork Baptist Church
175 Stoney Fork Church Rd., Mt. Gilead NC 27306