WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Barry Andrews, Sr., affectionately known as “Bill,” on April 28, 2025, at the age of 92. A true gentleman, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Harry Wells Andrews and Amelia Swain Andrews; his brother, Harry W. Andrews, Jr. (Blanche); and his sister, Jane Powell (Ed).
Born in Rocky Mount, NC, on June 15, 1932, Bill embodied hard work and determination throughout his life. As a young boy, he worked in tobacco fields and had a paper route, saving money to buy his horse, Nancy, and later a motorcycle to court “Betsy,” the love of his life. She was 15, and he was 17—only the Navy years separated them.
After serving in the Navy for four years in San Diego, Bill spent 57 years in Jacksonville, NC, raising a family of three daughters and one son while managing Beneficial Finance Co. He counseled young Marines on financial management, was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and the Scuba Diving Club. He built a boat, purchased land in Bear Creek, and—learning as he went—constructed a three-bedroom home with the help of a neighbor.
Retiring at 55 due to legal blindness never slowed Bill down. After selling their Bear Creek home, he and Bet bought an RV, embarking on 13 years of adventures across the U.S., Canada, and Alaska—with Bet at the wheel and Bill as her co-pilot and “map reader.”
Twelve years ago, they moved to Wilmington, NC, where an accessible home allowed Bill to remain comfortably at home with the support of his loving family and caregivers.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth Allen Andrews (“Bet”); children, Cher Pridgen (Mike), Janet Robnett, Tami Andrews (Dallan Wordekemper), Barry Andrews (Raul Angel); grandchildren, Will Pridgen, Drew Pridgen, Scott McClain, Jack Robnett, Kyle Robnett, Amanda Embry, Andrew Davis, Mallory Moen; great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. Bill’s family is deeply grateful to his devoted caregivers, Debbie Sheehan and Debbie Goff.
A graveside service will be scheduled at a later time. A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Mike and Cher Pridgen on June 15, 2025, where family and friends will gather to honor Bill’s incredible life, marking his 93rd birthday and Father’s Day.
In the words of his grandson, Andrew: “If anybody did this thing called life correctly, Daddy Bill did.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hospice facility, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.
