SEDLEY—William Davis “Billy” Whitehead was born in Franklin, Dec. 7, 1950, and died in his family home in Sedley Nov. 6, 2007.

Mr. Whitehead was predeceased by his father Alvin Frank Whitehead and sister- in-law Betty Jo Harrell Whitehead.

Survivors include his mother, Marjorie Davis Whitehead, his wife of 30 years, Lorraine and three sons; Blake, his wife Megan; Austin, his wife Monica; and youngest son, Caleb; two brothers, Frank and wife Barbara and Doug; sister, Kaye Whitehead Story and husband Rubin; nieces and nephews, Ryan Whitehead, Ginny Whitehead Carr, Erica Whitehead, and Angela Story. He was also very close to his wife’s family who helped to take care of him.

They include LaRue and Sidney Brittle, Cheryl Greene Stepp, Minnie and Keith Rose, Sidney Jr.(Toot) and Laurie Brittle all of Sedley and Kay Greene Slagel and husband Michael of Plantation, Fla. Nieces and nephews include Mandy Hewett; Brian and Kristen Rose; Carter, Cole and Whitley Brittle; Taylor, Lexie and Little Michael Slagel.

Billy played harmonica in the local Franklin Hog Bear Band since the 1970s. Band members, also considered extended family, include Bebo Whitehead, Stephen Hudgins, Benji Beale and Billy Hatch (deceased). The band had recently played at the Southampton County Fair.

He was a member of Hunterdale Christian Church where he served as a deacon and chairman of the music committee.

He owned and operated Whitehead and Son Roofing and Siding Company for 30 years. His son, Blake, continues the business.

His most important work, however, was his function as a sponsor, brother/father figure to hundreds in recovery all over the United States.

Despite the fact that he was crippled from surgery in 1997, his disability never swayed him from accomplishing his work for God here on earth. He was always there for anyone who needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a meal or just a safe place to rest from the burden’s of this world.

There was nothing on earth that Billy loved more than his wife, boys and family.

He never let a day go by without saying, “I love you.”

While his years were short, he lived a full and amazing life. God loved him and he loved God.

If Neil Young were still searching for a “Heart of Gold” he could have found it in Billy Whitehead, Sedley, AKA My Man.

A grave side service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Riverside Cemetery, Courtland with the Rev. Don Rosie, officiating.

Memorials may be made to Sedley Volunteer Fire Department or Hunterdale Christian Church. Wright Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.www.wrightfuneralhome.org