Billy Gene Surratt

Billy Gene Surratt passed peacefully early Saturday morning at Mountain Vista Health Park after a long battle with dementia, with his daughters and caregivers, Lisa and LaRonda by his side. Billy was born on June 26, 1939 to Grady and Virgie Frank Surratt. Billy was a member of Pleasant Grove Church.

Billy was a contract mail carrier for many years following in the steps of his father. He drove so many miles twice a day, rarely missing a day regardless of the weather or if he wasn’t well. He never had an accident or a citation of any kind. He and Iva were life long farmers and did everything together. They grew their poultry business with daughter, LaRonda and son-in-law Chip. The four of them working together for many years. Along the way, they operated a small manufacturing business and a sawmill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life and partner for 57 years, Iva Cranford Surratt, sister Beverly Surratt Poist and son-in-law Chip Peacock.

Billy is survived by his daughters and caregivers, Lisa Kennedy (Michael, Caitlin Kennedy of Scottsdale, AZ & Jordan Mackney and Corbin Kennedy) and LaRonda Peacock (Josh & Holly Peacock of Pittsboro NC, Brooke Peacock & Taylor Thompson, Alex & Austin Cook).

Daughter, Debbie Kinney (Cody & Kaylee Kinney, Brian & Heather Kinney); Stepchildren, Ronnie Harker (Pat, Cristy & Shannon Morris, Dana & Mark Floyd, Tracy Williams & Linda), Kathy Browe (Jamie Ferrell & Mike, Sandy and Brian DeLattre). 

Billy is survived by several great grandchildren and his special little constant visitors that he loved dearly are great-grandchildren, Novie & Tillie Peacock and Jaxon Cook.

He is also survived by a sister, Carolyn Surratt Garner of Denton.

Billy truly had a servant’s heart and never said no to helping anyone. He so enjoyed visiting others, sharing his love of food and eating out with anyone he could get to join him. He was a life long NASCAR fan (Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson), he never missed a Carolina basketball game or a Carolina Panthers game. He spent his retirement years caring for Iva as her health declined, mowing his yard, caring for his cats and his flowers. His favorite yearly tradition was going to Southern Supreme with Lisa and LaRonda to purchase fruitcakes for Christmas gifts. He gave out many and mailed several over the years.

Billy was a very special and kind man. His constant, sweet smile and wrinkling his nose will be forever missed.

We would like to thank his special friend and neighbor, Christine Lanier, for her many visits that always made Dad smile; Dr. Baker and Dad’s niece, Angie Loftin and the rest of the staff at Denton Healthcare for always being so kind and loving to Daddy. Also special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Mt. Vista that loved and cared for Daddy since May 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, Feb. 22, at Pleasant Grove Church with Rev. Brett Chappell and Rev. Scott Davis. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:45 PM prior to the funeral service. At other times the family will be at the home of LaRonda Peacock.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Church 2565 Loftin Rd. Denton, NC 27239; Meals on Wheels Davidson County, 555-B West Center Street Ext., Lexington NC 27295 and Mt. Vista Health Park, 106 Mountain Vista Health Park Road, Denton NC 27239.