Rev. Billy Dean Stockton, Sr.

Rev. Billy Dean Stockton, Sr., of Marion, North Carolina, while surrounded by his loving family, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the SECU Hospice House in Forest City.  A native and longtime residence of McDowell County, born February 12, 1942, he was the son of Georgia Stockton Lavender of Marion and the late Rev. Arcemus “R.C” Stockton.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by one brother, J.W. Stockton; and one sister, Joyce Stockton Stanfield. 

An ordained bishop in the Church of God, he served as Senior Pastor to North Cove Church of God in Marion, North Carolina, Fairmont Church of God in Fairmont, North Carolina, Mt. View Church of God in Canton, North Carolina; and for the last 30 years to the Cornerstone Church of God in Marion North Carolina.  His moto for each pastorate was, “In the essentials unity, non-essentials liberty and in all things, love”.  He was a God called minister whose passion was for souls.  Rev. Stockton was greatly loved and respected by each church he served.

When not doing ministry, he enjoys working in his vegetable garden and fishing, but most of all, spending time with his loving family in which he loved more than life itself.  Rev. Stockton was a proud veteran of the United States Army.

Left to cherish his memory, in addition to his mother, his loving wife of 57 years, Verna MacRae Stockton; one son, Billy Dean Stockton, Jr. and his wife, Julie; one brother, Rev. Ray Stockton and his wife, Shirley; and his loving granddaughter, Erica Demaree Stockton.  He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate the life of Rev. Stockton will be held on Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at State Street Church of God with Rev. Ken Lytle, Rev. E.L. Turner and Dr. Russell Morris (his nephew), officiating.  Interment, with military honors provided by the United States Army, will follow at Nealsville Church of God Cemetery.  

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service, at State Street Church of God.

Flowers are acceptable and appreciated.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Rev. Stockton’s memory are asked to consider, Cornerstone Church of God, 2344 Ashworth Road, Marion, NC 28752 and/or Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 (www.hospiceofrutherford.org).