Billy Ray Wingard, Sr.
Billy Ray Wingard, Sr.
(March 27, 1934 – March 12, 2021)
Pastor Bill Wingard, of Calvary Baptist Church, went home to be with the LORD on March 12, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Arlie Cartwright Wingard, and his brother, Stanley Wingard (Carol); His children: Billy Wingard, Jr. (Grace), Janet Wingard Raynor (Anthony), Pamela Wingard Albert, Patti Wingard Spencer (Jime), and honorary daughter, Jeanette Senn Towne; Grandchildren: Jennifer Wingard Taveras (Willy), Laura Wingard Bain (Logan), Amanda Diaz, Ryan Raynor, Janna Raynor, Jonathan Albert, Ashley Albert, Jennifer Albert, Andrew Albert (Rebecca), James Albert, Alyssa Albert, Jordan Spencer, Logan Spencer (Caroline), Megan Spencer Sullivan (Sullie), Joshua Towne (Angela), and Heather Towne Williams (Stephen; Great Grandchildren: Marina, Will, Tyson, and Taylor Taveras; Ryker and Evelyn Bain; Tyson Raynor; Jaleigh Kinard, Canaan and Ashton Elias McCauley; Sparrow Annie Spencer; Caleb and Andrew Towne, and Lexi Williams. He was preceded in death by his beloved family members: his parents, John Earl and Sallie Johnson Wingard; his brothers, Harold Wingard and Douglas Wingard (Beatrice); and sister, Mildred Wingard Twilley (Billy).
After serving in the US Navy (1953-1961), and completing his MA and BA at Bob Jones University, Pastor Wingard began his ministry in New Bern in 1962 at the Calvary Baptist Church, and by the grace of God, was the full time Senior Pastor until his homegoing. During his 59 year ministry, in New Bern, he was instrumental in starting Calvary Baptist Church School, Mission Aeroservices, and World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions, where he served as Chairman of the Board for fifty years. He received an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Bob Jones University and Doctorate of Divinity from Heritage College of Orlando, Florida. He has been privileged to present the Gospel in many churches across the United States, and abroad. For many years he preached a daily radio broadcast, The Calvary Hour, which started on WHIT and can be heard currently on the Fundamental Broadcasting Network and a number of additional stations.
Pastor Wingard will be remembered as a loving Poppa who enjoyed flying, fishing, and golf. His life principle was to “serve faithfully in his present season of life.” His life was an example of Christian piety, gentlemanliness, compassion, charity, counsel, and kindness. He was a humble man of prayer, a dedicated preacher and devoted soul winner, giving out thousands of gospel tracks. His greatest concern and heart’s desire was that those he met knew the LORD.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, New Bern, North Carolina.
Services are planned for 2 pm, Friday, March 19, at Calvary Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church, starting at 11 am. The service will be live streamed at www.calbapt.org.
Burial will be at New Bern Memorial Cemetery, in New Bern, following the service.
Our family wish to give our sincere thanks to the many extended family, friends, and church family for their many acts of love and kindness shown to us during this time.
