William Jesse &uot;Billy&uot; Earley, 81, of the 100 block of Longwood Avenue, passed away Sept. 13, 2005. Born in Suffolk, he was the son of the late Jesse Charles and Nannie Golden Tinkham Earley.

A United State Navy veteran of World War II, he was the office manager, treasurer and on the Board of Director for Joel E. Harrell and Son, office manager and treasurer for National Screen Company, and office manager for Askew Nurseries until his retirement in 1998. He was a member and past master of Suffolk Masonic Lodge #30.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan Rusen Earley; one son, William Stephen Earley and wife Linda; grandsons Will-iam Paul Earley and John Christopher Earley and a great-granddaughter, Kayla Michelle Earley, all of Lees-burg. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Charles Thornton Earley.

A graveside service with Masonic Rites will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Friends may join the family from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight at Harrell and Hill Funeral Home and at other times at the residence at 107 Longwood Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1515, Suffolk, VA, 23439.