Billy F Hazelwood

Billy F. Hazelwood, 79, of East Bend, NC passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 15, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Goodwill, WV, he was a son of the late Roma Bell Hazelwood and Sampson Edgar Hazelwood.  After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. After completion of his military service he returned home to Coaldale, WV and married and raised a family. Billy was a hard and dedicated worker having worked as a coal miner for 36 years. He retired from U.S. Steel having worked at Gary and Pineville mines and was a member of the UMWA.

Billy never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He met many people when he would attend bluegrass festivals and shows. He enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and especially The Del McCoury Band which was his favorite. He enjoyed the outdoors and being in the woods hunting.

He loved his family and is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Jeannie Mitchem Hazelwood of the home; sons, Billy Hazelwood (Diane) of SC, and Jimbo Hazelwood (Katie) of Cana, VA; daughters, Becky Harman (Kevin) of King, NC, Kathy Spencer (Jay) of Tobaccoville, NC, Cindy Spears (James) of Gloucester, VA, and Jennifer Yawapun (Bouy) of Bawkok, Thailand; brother, Johnny (Doris) Hazelwood and a sister, Gail (Jerry) Griffith. He is also survived by several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; a host of cousins whom he loved very much also survive. One is Lilly Warren, his hospice nurse, who provided excellent care, love and support to Billy and Jeannie. A quote from Lilly, “Billy was a good example of strength. When his body weakened, his spirit remained strong.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Elaine Quesinberry, and grandson Joshua Hazelwood. 

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 PM Friday, October 21, 2022 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Doug Hyndrich officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Beckley, WV where family will serve as pallbearers and military graveside rites will be conducted by the Mercer County Veteran’s Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Hazelwood family.