Obituary: Rev. Billy Gray Sullivan, Sr
Rev. Billy Gray Sullivan, Sr.
July 14, 1935 – August 10, 2026
The faith believed, taught, and lived by Rev. Billy Gray Sullivan, Sr., 91, led him to his home eternal on Monday, August 10, 2026. Billy was born in Johnston County to the late Larry “Fet” and Melissa Alice Watkins Sullivan on July 14, 1935. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly seventy-five years, Carolyn Aycock Sullivan; granddaughter Kimberly Sullivan; step-grandson Billy Wood; and siblings Estelle Skinner, Larry Sullivan, Jr., and Randy Sullivan.
Employed with the federal government as a poultry inspector, Billy started his career at Frosty Morn in Kinston and continued employment with the government until recognizing his call into the ministry. From that point forward, serving the Lord was his primary calling, and greatest job.
Serving as a minister of the Gospel in the Church of God for fifty years, Billy started his pastoral ministry at Mount Carmel in Dunn. From there, he served churches in Carthage, Zebulon, Bethel, Roxboro, Pink Hill, Franklinton, and Knightdale. From there, he retired back to La Grange and continued in active ministry at the New Hope Church of God. He was honored to be the oldest credentialed Church of God minister in Eastern North Carolina.
Billy’s ministry went far beyond the walls of his congregations. As an excellent finish carpenter, he spent much time in his churches doing renovations, and even built the church in Carthage, the parsonage in Zebulon, and the Fellowship Hall in Bethel. Known as the town’s pastor everywhere he served, he was willing to visit and pray with those in his community, regardless of their church affiliation.
Even after retirement, Billy continued to find ways to share the Gospel and serve his Lord. Once he and Carolyn moved to their retirement home in Dunn, he continued counseling other residents in the home, offering prayer, study, and support.
Known to be meticulous, he was organized, determined, and maybe even a bit peculiar. He wanted everything to be just right.
Billy and Carolyn shared a beautiful marriage of nearly seventy-five years. Raising four children and loving on a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the love extended to each was a pure reflection of God’s love to his children. As the patriarch of his family, Billy led well in faith and value.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at New Hope Church of God at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 with Rev. Gerald Johnson, Rev. Charlie Asby, and Rev. David Brooks officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Billy is survived by his children, Reggie Sullivan and wife Barbara, Anthony Sullivan and wife Rhonda, Cindy Privette and husband Glenn, and Billy Sullivan Jr. and wife Sissy; grandchildren, Patrick Sullivan (Hannah), Adam Sullivan (Kristy), Mark Sullivan, Rebekah Smith (Patrick), Sarah Sluder (Devon), Melissa Schwartz (Jason), Ashton Brantley (Thomas), Madison Fetzner (Billy), Matthew Sullivan (Megan), Ruby Holloman (Justin), Mazie Sullivan, Billy Gray Sullivan III (Mollie), and Keith Hairston; twenty great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry Wayne Sullivan and Steven Arthur Sullivan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
