Committal
Billy Joe Caroway, 88, of Morganton passed away peacefully at his residence Friday, December 1, 2023, after a period of declining health.
Bill was born in Celo, NC, April 23, 1935, to the late Eulas and Carrie Robinson Caroway. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Janice Coffey Caroway.
Bill grew up in Morganton and graduated from Morganton High School. He excelled and lettered in three sports – basketball, football, and track. After serving 2 years in the U.S. Army, he attended Appalachian State Teachers College, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While at Appalachian, Bill played basketball for the Mountaineers for 3 years. He began his teaching career at Stratford Junior High School and Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia. In 1963, he returned to Morganton to take the helm as head basketball coach for the Morganton High School Wildcats and to teach physical education and science. In 1973, he earned a master’s degree in administration from Appalachian State University and began his 16-year career as principal at Morganton Junior High School. Bill was then named principal of Liberty Middle School and later was appointed Director of Drivers Education for Burke County Public Schools.
Bill was an avid fisherman and enjoyed tying his own flies. He also enjoyed coaching, attending Freedom High School basketball and football games, and watching the Carolina Tarheels. Above all, Bill’s family was his greatest pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to attend his children or grandchildren’s events and celebrate their successes.
Bill was a faithful Christian servant who taught Sunday School for a number of years at First Baptist Church, Morganton. He was loving, kind, selfless, endlessly entertaining, and a forever faithful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children Deborah McCurry (Jim), Angela Williams (Scott), Traci Riebel (Buddy); grandchildren Andrew Lowdermilk (Eleanor), Patrick Lowdermilk, Jordan Williams Brown (Hunter), Matthew Williams (Bailey), Connor Williams, Katie Riebel, and great-grandchildren Lenoir Lowdermilk and Virginia Mae Lowdermilk.
A celebration of life service will be held at First Baptist Church Morganton on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Military honors will be provided by the NC National Guard. The receiving of friends will be prior to the service from 1:30 pm-3:00 pm in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church Morganton, 502 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.
The Caroway family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Catawba Valley Medical Services, Carolina Caring, and a loving group of caregivers that provided excellent care to Bill at his home.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Deborah, I am so sorry to hear your dad's passing. He was a wonderful man and I loved seeing him at Pat's Snack Bar. He always had a smile on his face. Keeping you all in my prayers.
I am deeply sadden by Bill’s passing. He was a gifted man in many areas. I appreciate his help throughout the years to my mother. As a family member, I am grateful for all that he has done to help others. Bill’s wife, Janice was my father’s first cousin. As educators, they gave back to the community and were responsible for the education of many. As a cousin and fellow educator I am proud to have known Bill. My prayers are with the family. May God Bless and comfort your family during this trying time.
Deborah, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will keep the entire family in my prayers.
Coach Caroway was always upbeat and fair. He had to cut me from the football team because I was too scrawny to compete. It was tough for him. He was a kind man.
He was a man of many talents, including intimidation! I learned that from my time with Billy Jo as my principal, later in Driver's Ed at Lake James on a rickety old bridge, and then as my son's coach Certainly, he was a Morganto n High School legend, a friend to so many students and their families and a great example of a dedicated teacher!
My sympath to all Bills daughters on the occasion of his death. He has joined Tom and they are no longer in pain. Gods blessings on each of you and your families.
Debbie, Tracy, and Angie- so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was such a wonderful man! Thought so much of him and your mom. Love and prayers for each of you. So sorry we are committed to a wedding on Saturday at this time. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
My family and I are all so very sorry for your tremendous loss in the passing of your dad! Billy Joe and Ervin were old friends from Morganton High, Appalachian, and the Burke County School System. Janice and I were at Appalachian together and both became Media Coordinators. Bill and Janice were great educators and wonderful parents! Lynne