Billy Ray Lyerly, age 94, of Dallas, North Carolina, passed away on May 8, 2025. He was born in Rowan County on April 19, 1931, and lived a life marked by service, faith, and deep devotion to his family and community.
Following four years of proud service in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Missouri during the Korean War, Bill attended East Carolina College, where he met Elizabeth McCollum. The two were married in 1957 and shared 67 years of marriage.
Bill began his career in law enforcement in 1956 with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. He later served as an Inspector with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles in the Department of License and Theft. Over the course of his 30-year career, he served with distinction and dedication. He was a long-standing member of both the North Carolina Law Enforcement Association and the Retired North Carolina Peace Officers.
A lifelong Lutheran, Bill was a faithful member of Antioch Lutheran Church in Dallas, NC, for over 60 years. His strong faith and sense of duty were cornerstones of his life.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, T.O. and Mary Lyerly; his brothers, Spencer Lyerly and J.D. Lyerly; his sister, Edith Boone; and his daughter, Dana Lyerly Pryce.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Lyerly; daughter Libby Sieber and husband Alden; son Larry Lyerly and wife Leah; granddaughters Erin Mohn (Chad), Janie Lyerly (Elijah), and Jessica Lyerly; great-grandsons Charlie Mohn and Sam Mohn; and a very special nephew, Rick Lyerly.
Service Information
A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Antioch Lutheran Church 330 Old NC 277 Loop Rd., Dallas, NC 28034 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the: Antioch Lutheran Church Garden of Peace Fund 330 Old NC 277 Loop Rd., Dallas, NC 28034
Bill’s legacy of honor, faith, and love will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.