William W. Floyd, 75, of Wake Forest, NC, died Friday, September 4, 2015. He was born March 7, 1940, in Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Wilton Clifton and Margie Walker Floyd and a sister, Marian Elaine Floyd. Billy was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War and later onboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower. Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked as an electronics technician in Raleigh.

Left to cherish his memory are four sisters, Nancy F. Paul of Roanoke Rapids, Paula F. Brown (David) of Williamston, Margaret F. Overby (Wayne) of Franklin, VA, and Ruby F. Inscoe (Kent) of Williamston; two brothers, Joseph C. Floyd (Toni) of Roanoke Rapids and David L. Floyd of Raleigh; eleven nieces and nephews, Sherry W. Puckett (Jack) of Oxford, Jeffrey S. Wright of Gaston, Kori C. Overby of Glen Allen, VA, Barry L. Overby (Michelle) of Franklin VA, Courtney J. Floyd (Jennifer) of Roanoke Rapids, Lindsey F. VanHouten (Randy) of Nashville, NC, Kelly F. Inscoe (Jaime) of Williamston, Amber E. Inscoe (Jamie) of Wilson, Brandon D. Floyd of Moore County, Kristen R. Floyd of Greenville, and Lauren A. Floyd of Wilmington; thirteen great-nieces and great-nephews, Jay Puckett, Will Wright, Jackson Wright, Jack Overby, Katie Floyd, Kenley Floyd, Logan Neathery, Adalyn Floyd, Logan VanHouten, Avery VanHouten, Olivia VanHouten, Jasmine Gerth, and Lily Inscoe; his very dear cousins, and his devoted neighbors on Greenhow Lane in Wake Forest, whom he loved like family.

With a heart the size of Texas, Billy was a fan of the underdog. He had an extraordinary fondness for all of God’s creatures, especially cats, and he had a deep appreciation for bluegrass and classic country music. He joined the Navy to see the world, and he touched a lot of lives along the way.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Avenue, in Roanoke Rapids, NC. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 PM at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids. The Rev. Michael Baugham will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh NC 27603 (www.spcawake.org) or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1990 Fordham Dr., Suite 100, Fayetteville NC 28304 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org ).

Bravo Zulu, Sailor! Your work here is done.