Coeburn, VA ~ Billy Ray "Bill" Gillenwater, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, April 15, 2011 at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was employed by Pittston Coal Company for 44 years. Bill was a member, deacon and Sunday school teacher of the First Baptist Church in Coeburn, VA. Also a member of Coeburn Masonic Lodge for 56 years and a U.S. Airforce Veteran. He was the son of the late Logan Wood Gillenwater and Nancy B. Gillenwater; also preceded in death by 6 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years 7 months and 8 days, Shirley Porter Gillenwater, Coeburn; a daughter, Minnie Lynn Bates, Kingsport, TN; a son, Robert Ray Gillenwater, Big Stone Gap, VA; grandchildren, Christie Sorelle Culbertson, Zachary Ryan Bates, both of Kingsport,TN; grandson-in-law, Clifford Nathaniel Culbertson; two sisters, Barbara 'Tootsie' Collins, Mt. Carmel, TN and Gladys Stapleton, Chesapeake, VA; a brother, Jack Gillenwater, Kingsport, TN.

Funeral services for Billy Ray "Bill" Gillenwater will be held on Sunday April 17, 2011 7:30 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Coeburn, VA with Rev. Steve Collins, Rev. Luke Martin and Rev. R.J. Rose officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday after 5:00 P.M. until funeral time. Burial will be Monday, April 18, 2011 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The family will meet at the Church at 11:00 A.M. and leave in procession. Coeburn VFW will perform military graveside rites. Family and friends are invited to share dinner in his honor at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following the graveside service. Arrangements by Estes Funeral Home, Coeburn, VA.