William Edward Eaton

William “Billy” Edward Eaton, affectionately known to many as “Oyster Bill,” passed away on January 2, 2026, in King, North Carolina, at the age of 71.

Born on October 19, 1954, in Tampa, Florida, Billy lived a life full of adventure, wrong turns, and deep connections. He was multitalented but primarily worked as a carpenter.

Billy spent the last 25 years of his life, prior to his health declining, in Holden Beach, North Carolina-a place that brought him peace and joy. It was there that he earned the nickname “Oyster Bill,” thanks to his love for oyster picking and his deep connection to the ocean. Though he cherished the mountains of Virginia for their quiet beauty, it was the sea that truly called to him. Whether casting a line into the surf or camping under the stars with friends, Billy found solace in nature’s embrace.

He had a passion for fishing and camping and enjoyed nothing more than sharing stories and laughter over a cold drink with his buddies. Music moved him. He loved to dance and laugh, and he had an infectious energy that drew people close. Known for his laid-back style, flannel shirts for the mountains and Hawaiian shirts, blue jean shorts, and flip flops for the beach, Billy embodied a carefree spirit that was always ready for the next adventure.

Billy’s heart was generous and open. He would help anyone if he could, never asking for much in return. Material things held little value for him, except perhaps his beloved old camper, but relationships meant everything.

He is lovingly remembered by his son James “Jimmy” Alan Eaton; son Charles Dwayne McPeak; daughter Sara (Eaton) McDaniel Moore and her husband Shawn; grandchildren Shane Ferrell, Eli West, Dustin McPeak, and Ashley Lampey; great-granddaughter Sage Ferrell—all of Virginia; former wife Ailene Eaton of Mocksville, North Carolina, who remained by his side until the end; sister Helen Edith Eaton of Winter Haven, Florida; brother Thomas Alfred Eaton of Jacksonville, Florida; nephews Ronnie Anderson of Winter Haven, Jeffrey Eaton of Lorton, Virginia, and Christian Eaton of Jacksonville; stepdaughters Angela Cable of Mocksville and Crystal Fowler of Kannapolis; stepson Clifford Spears of Concord.

He joins in rest his brother Johnny Robert Eaton; father Robert Edward Eaton; mother Betty June Eaton-Gibson (McIntosh); bonus father Simon J. Cox; special grandmother Edith Eaton Glaeser; and former wife Velva “Winky” McPeak Eaton.

Billy’s faith grew stronger over time as he came to embrace the love of the Lord fully. His journey was not always easy, but it was marked by resilience, lessons learned, kindness, humor—and above all—a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

If felt led to, donations can be made in Billy’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

May Billy be remembered with warmth by all who knew him—for his laughter by the campfire, his footprints in the sand at Holden Beach, and the love he had for his family and friends. A Memorial Gathering will be held on January 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Christiansburg Assembly of God, 1861 Mud Pike Christiansburg, VA. Appetizers, snacks, and drinks will be served during the memorial.

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