William Warren Drewry

William Warren Drewry, lovingly known as “Billy,” “Dad,” and “Grandpa,” passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on August 4, 1935, in Surry County, Virginia, he spent most of his life in the Town of Wakefield. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1953. In 1957, he married Rosalie Stallings Drewry, and the couple celebrated their 69th anniversary on February 2, 2026.

In 1965, Billy opened Drewry’s Grocery and Hardware store on Railroad Avenue in Wakefield, where he operated the business for 23 years. He grew plants and crafted picture frames for the community he cherished. In 1988, he began working for Carroll Foods, later known as Murphy-Brown and then Smithfield Foods, where he remained for more than 20 years until his retirement.

Billy had a gift for making friends with everyone he met. A faithful member of the Wakefield United Methodist Church and a lifelong member of the Wakefield Ruritan Club, he enjoyed playing and watching sports, including baseball, basketball, bowling, cornhole, golf, and tennis. He proudly cheered for his children and grandchildren from the sidelines and looked forward each year to celebrating his birthday with family at the Outer Banks. He also cherished his many bus trips to Baltimore to watch the Orioles play.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard E. Drewry, Sr. and Edith Warren Drewry, and his brothers Howard E. Drewry, Jr. and James A. Drewry. Billy is survived by his wife, Rosalie; his three children, Tricia Faubert (Ed), Billy Kerrn Drewry (Stephanie), and Timothy W. Drewry (Kelly); four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his brothers Emmett T. Drewry (Lizzie) and Thomas E. Drewry (Joanne), along with many nieces, nephews, and dear family friends.