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EMPORIA – William Joseph “Billy Joe” Bivens Jr., 88, of Emporia, passed away on Jan. 21, 2021.

Billy Joe was born on Sept. 19, 1932, to William J. Bivens Sr. and Mary Bivens Kanipe in Hamlet, North Carolina. After graduating from Greensville County High School, he attended Virginia Tech, where he played football.

He worked for the state of Virginia and the USDA supervising fruit, vegetable and peanut inspections for 43 years. Billy Joe enjoyed coaching Pee Wee football, watching his children and grandchildren on the ball field and was known to have played an occasional hand of cards.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice Bivens; and sons, Joey and Mike Bivens.

He is survived by his daughter Pat Clary (Wilson) of Emporia; stepdaughter, Amy Lifsey of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; grandchildren, Katie Richardson (Allen) of Gasburg, Kelly Clary of Emporia, Kendall Nunnally (Scott) of Sutherland, and Heather Barnes (Brooks) of Lucama, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren; and special friend, Randy Sirles.

A graveside service was held at Greensville Memorial Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Greensville County Fire Department, 209 Halifax St., Emporia, VA 23847.

Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com.