July 15, 2025, 82, Goldsboro —
Billy Mosley Kornegay, Sr., 82, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 12, 1942, in Wayne County, Billy was the son of the late Mosley Herring Kornegay and Dessie Hood Kornegay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Daniel Kornegay, and great-grandson, Legend Coley.
Billy began his career in 1962 alongside his older brother, Bobby Rex Kornegay, a professional land surveyor. Starting out as a brush cutter, Billy’s work ethic and keen eye quickly advanced him to crew chief, and eventually into the office as a farm survey technician. Over the years, he became known as a gifted and respected surveyor of farmland—large and small—possessing a rare talent for solving complex boundary issues through extensive research and careful analysis. He retired on July 13, 2022, after more than 59 years of dedicated service, leaving an irreplaceable void in both the business and the hearts of his colleagues.
A man of faith, Billy was a devoted member of Falling Creek Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon and in various ministries throughout the years. His commitment to both his church and his community was a testament to the life he lived—rooted in service, humility, and love.
Billy’s love for farming was evident in the care he gave to his home in Grantham, a place that reflected his strong values and quiet joy. He was a devoted husband, a loving daddy, and the most cherished PaPa. Nothing brought him greater joy than caring for his family and spending time with those he loved most.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna Bryan Kornegay; his sons, Billy Mosley Kornegay II and wife, Amy, and William Barry Kornegay and wife, Constance; grandchildren, Jonathan Kornegay and wife, Leighanna, Joseph Kornegay, Caroline Kornegay, Abby Kornegay, and Matthew Coley; great-grandchildren, Emma Kornegay, Mary Katherine Kornegay, Paisley Kornegay, and Lilly Coley; and brothers, Bobby Rex Kornegay, and Jerry Lee Kornegay and wife, Mary. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Daniel Boykin and wife, Allyson, Rebecca Price and husband, Dylan and Rachel Eckert and husband, Dillon; three step great-grandchildren; and his faithful friend and helping hand, Sam Marroquen.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Falling Creek Baptist Church followed by a service to celebrate Billy’s life at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Robert Ellis and Rev. Billy Webb officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
