Billy Joe "Bill" Essick

Billy Joe “Bill” Essick, born February 27, 1933, passed away peacefully at Randolph Hospice House to be reunited with the Lord and his loving wife, Pat, in the early hours of January 27, 2024. Bill was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, affectionally called Poppy. He was gifted with a grand sense of adventure, determination, work ethic, and a huge heart.  After graduating from Asheboro High School, he joined the United States Army. When he got out, he married the love of his life, Pat, and they enjoyed 66 years together.  They had three girls, Inga Essick (Steven Drainville), Tami Manring (Wayne), and Lori Hicks (Fred Smith). Later they became grandparents to Haley Manring Taylor (Jeremy), Allison Manring Taylor (Matt), Laini Hicks Johnson (Ethan), and Ian Hicks (Corinne). He was fortunate to meet his many great-grandchildren, Collins Taylor, Jake Taylor, Claire Taylor, Lennon Taylor, Orli Johnson, and Colbie Taylor. In addition to his daughters and grandchildren, he is also survived by his brother, Jimmy Essick (Patricia) and his niece and nephew, Lauren and David. He is preceded in death by his parents Blanche Hedrick and William Kenneth “Scoe” Essick. Together with his wife Pat, they were members of First Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ, where they were very involved elders of the church. Bill excelled in the kitchen, making the best breakfasts and the most tender delicious BBQ at church functions.

Bill had a passion for helping others, and during his time as a volunteer firefighter, he helped save many lives and became Captain of the department. He owned and operated Essick’s Body Shop Inc., an auto body repair shop and a wrecker and towing service. When the winter weather would hinder driving, he would take his wrecker truck out to find cars who needed help getting back on the road, and never expected anything in return.

He was known for his infectious smile. He seemed to know and get along with everyone everywhere he ever went, and if he didn’t, he probably got to know them.

He and Pat were avid travelers and throughout their journeys traveled to all 50 states, including Alaska in their RV, with the exception of Hawaii, in which they flew. They shared hundreds of stories of their travels, and as devout Christians, found a church and visited wherever they were on Sunday mornings. His impact will never be forgotten by his family, friends, and church family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 12:00-1:45 pm at First Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ.  Funeral services will follow on Wednesday at 2:00 pm at the church with Rev. Dave Cash officiating.  A private interment will be held at Randolph Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203 or First Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ, 221 Cliff Road, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Essick family.