Billy T. Lunsford

Billy T. Lunsford, 73, of Hendersonville died on Thursday, April 04, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Buncombe County he was born on Oct. 8, 1939, to the late Thurman Lunsford and Mary Peters Lunsford. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Lunsford and his sister, Mary Ann McLaughlin.

Living most of his life, in Henderson County he worked as a truck driver for several different companies and in his retirement he worked at Sams Club. He was a faithful member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, and an avid fisherman. Never meeting a stranger, he prided himself in helping others, doing anything in his power to lend a hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Alice Bishop Lunsford; his two sons, Walter Lunsford and his wife Karen, of Hendersonville, James Lunsford and his wife Melinda, of Hendersonville; his two daughters, Brenda Gilliam of Hendersonville, Martha Clayton and her husband Greg, of Hendersonville; his four brothers, J.W. Peters of York, S.C., Rayfield Lunsford of Asheville, Archie Lee Lunsford of Asheville, Joey Lunsford of Burnsville; his three sisters, Gracie Brown of Leicester, Haven Hembree of Oteen, Gail Robinson of Old Fort; his nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Gethsemane Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Talley officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.