Willie Thomas “Bill” Story, 89, of Littleton died Saturday, June 4, 2011, at Halifax Regional Medical Center. Bill was born in Branchville, VA on July 27, 1921 to the late Ernest Thomas Story and Lula Davis Story. After working for his family’s retail and trucking business, he enlisted in the US Navy in WWII. During this time, he met his wife of 67 years, Jo Draper, while in Washington, DC. After the war, they returned to Roanoke Rapids, being employed as a police officer for the City of Roanoke Rapids as the first motorcycle policeman. Bill continued his employment with the city until his employment with Albemarle Paper Company/Champion International, where he retired after 44 years.

All of this time he also served as a special deputy sheriff for Halifax County. He became the oldest active law enforcement officer in the state of North Carolina. He loved the law enforcement business, but he loved his fellow officers more. He was so proud of being elected as law enforcement Officer of the Year because this honor was given to him by his fellow officers. Bill was also a Mason and a Shriner. He helped start the Gasburg, VA Rescue Squad while being an original member of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad.

He served in the DAV and American Legion organizations as a member and as a local and state officer,and also on the NC Governor’s Safety Council.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Draper Story, of the home; one daughter, Terry Sue Webb and her husband, Larry, of Nags Head; three sons, Tommy Story and his wife, Beth, of Lake Gaston, Tim Story and his wife, Barbara, of Roanoke Rapids, and Todd Story of Nags Head; eight grandchildren, Hunter Story of Chapel Hill, Dodge Story of Nags Head, Kathryn Johnson and husband, Ralph, of Midlothian, VA, Stephanie Pericak and her husband, David, of Roanoke Rapids, Kimberly Eaton of Disputanta, VA, Tracy Story and his wife, Liz, of Roanoke Rapids, Renee Vester of Gaston, and Timmy Story of Kill Devil Hills; nine great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace Pericak, Justin Warren, Maggie Vester, Tyler Warren, Harrison Johnson, Xander Johnson, Kendall Eaton and Konner Eaton and Kaylee Story; and one brother, Woodrow Story of Richmond, VA.

Graveside memorial services with Masonic rites will be held on Tuesday, June 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev .C. B. Owens officiating. The family will receive friends at the home at 129 Poe Creek Dr, Littleton, NC.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Story’s service to his country.