William "Daddy Bill" Manning

William “Daddy Bill” Wilbert Manning, 98, husband of the late Hazel Henderson Manning, passed away October 24, 2022. Always a family man, Daddy Bill was the true definition of a godly person. Born in Baily, NC, he grew up the second youngest of a large Christian family. He met his “Sweetie” through a friend who just knew they would be perfect together. Her name was Hazel, and she was the love of his life They wrote each other love letters during his time in the Air Force and the Army. Soon enough, the two were married and Daddy Bill’s heart was filled with overwhelming joy. He provided a loving home for his three children. They remember him as a loving, hardworking father, who could build anything with his hands out of metal. In fact, Daddy Bill delighted in his work and did not retire until the age of 91. Daddy Bill loved to host family Christmases. We’d squeeze the entire family into his cozy home and enjoy the multitude of homemade pies that he baked. He could cook the tastiest, fried pork chops and he farmed his own vegetables. His cucumbers were prizewinning size, and he knew the secret to the perfect combination of sugar and vinegar to soak them in. Daddy Bill was the kindest, most caring person in the world. That is, unless you were you were a squirrel trying to steal his precious pecans. He strategically covered his pecan trees with sheet metal, which was no match to a tree climbing squirrel. A faithful servant to the Kingdom of Heaven, he raised his family in the Church. He had many roles during his Church years from Sunday School Teacher all the way up to Deacon, where he served for many years. His favorite position, though, was holding the sweet, little babies in the nursery. Above all, Daddy Bill loved Jesus and was faithful and patient right up to the very end. What a gift it is to be gifted eternal life in Heaven on the very same day he was born on earth 98 years ago. He was the humble stronghold of his large, loving family that admired him more than words can say. He is survived by his children, Margaret Barrett (Michael Driscoll), Judy Vaughn, and Steve Cannon (Cathy Cannon); grandchildren Michael, Jeanna, Josh, Christie, Paul, Charlie, and Steven; his great grandchildren Harley, Kate, Garrett, JD, Addison, Emma, Preston, Joseph, Lilly, Amber, and Mila; and his great-great grandchildren Ella and Noah. Funeral services will be held 3:30 PM Sunday, October 30, 2022, at The Wood Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Martin Atkins. Burial will follow in Rocky Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2:00-3:15 PM Sunday, October 30, 2022, at The Wood Mortuary. Webcasting of the service will be available at www.thewoodmortuary.com. The family will be at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.

William "Daddy Bill" Manning

October 24, 1924 - October 24, 2022