William Leon Carraway

March 11, 1926 - July 11, 2022
William Leon Carraway

Memorial Gifts & Donations


William (Bill) Leon Carraway, 96, of Champions Assisted Living, Wilmington, North Carolina went to be with the Lord on July 11, 2022.

Bill was born in New Bern, NC on March 11, 1926, the eleventh child of Mattie Pittman Carraway and William Thomas Carraway.

Bill graduated from Oriental High School in 1943 and joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 during World War II. He served as a seaman for eight years until 1952. Bill then went to work for the Exxon Corporation where he worked 30 years. He began at Exxon as a truck driver, enjoying traveling across North Carolina. Bill worked for Exxon Corporation in Washington, NC, Morehead City, NC, and Wilmington, NC, and retired as a superintendent.

He married Dora Mae Smith in 1947, and they raised two daughters, Diane and Sharon.

Bill had a great passion for fishing and loved being on the water. He was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, friendliness to everyone he met, and his generous spirit. He loved country cooking, country music and singing old songs and hymns. One of his greatest assets was his ability to encourage and uplift others.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dora, and daughter, Diane Carraway Hatcher. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Carraway Jones and two sons in law, Edwin Jones and John Hatcher. Bill was affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by granddaughters Candace Thompson, Meredith Jones, and Lara Beth Jones and four great-granddaughters Avery Thompson, Ella Grace Thompson, Aida Jones, and Carraway Bodford.

A graveside service will be held at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive at 11:00 am on Thursday July 14, 2022. Flowers may be sent to Wilmington Funeral and Cremation at 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC.


Graveside Service

Thursday, July 14, 2022
11:00 AM

Oleander Memorial Gardens - Directions
306 Bradley Dr
Wilmington, North Carolina 28409
(910) 799-1686

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  • December 19, 2022
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  • August 10, 2022
    Cassandra Dawson says:
    My Sincere Condolences to the entire family. It was a pleasure working with Mr Carraway. Learn alot in a short time. True man of wisdom. Blessings to the family.

  • July 14, 2022
    Jim Bilisoly says:
    I'm sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great neighbor, true friend, and much missed walking companion. May his soul rest in peace. You have my sincerest condolences.

  • July 14, 2022
    Tommy Craigg says:
    I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was certainly a man I have looked up to and admired over many years. Bill and Dora were some of my parents closest friends. They were neighbors in Blounts Creek and I will never forget whenever I went home to visit all the good times that we had. The time that I spent with Bill and my father on the water will be memories to cherish forever. It breaks my heart to know they have all left us now.

  • July 12, 2022
    James and Sola Danetra says:
    Both James and I loved him dearly. A force to be reckoned with for the Lord. A major capacity to love and encourage. Always a friendly face and a warm vice-like handshake. His soul will be missed.