Billy Griggs Catoe, 90, of Lancaster passed away at his home on Friday, January 2, 2026. He was born March 25, 1935, in Lancaster and was a son of the late Yancy W. Catoe, Sr. and Lula Sistare Catoe. He was a member and former deacon of Spring Hill Baptist Church; a Mason and a Shriner, and board member/secretary/treasurer for Farm Bureau Insurance. Billy was the first Fire Chief of the Tradesville Fire Department where he served as a firefighter for many years.
After graduating from Buford High School, his work life included working for several car dealerships before starting his own business. He was the owner/operator of Billy Catoe Bulldozing and Grading that led to a fulfilling career with the development of many partnerships and friendships. Billy was also the former owner of Catoe Farms in Tradesville.
Billy was devoted to his family. He especially treasured his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved being their Papa C. When his children became adults, he and Amelia enjoyed traveling with friends. In their later years, they continued to cherish their time together and with their family. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, Boyce Catoe, Drew Catoe, Hoke Catoe, Amos Catoe, Yancy Catoe, Jr., Bobby Catoe, and Roy Charles Catoe: three sisters, Lillian Galloway, Margaret Saleeby, and Mary Lois Lloyd, and son-in-law Mike Wright.
Billy is survived by his wife of 69 years Amelia Funderburk Catoe, his son Terry L. Catoe (Candy), daughters Donna Herchek (Jimmy), and Crystal Catoe. Grandchildren Justin Herchek (Meredith), Ryan Herchek (Kimberly), Christopher Small (Lauren), Alee Bowers McMahan (Kyle), Joesee Wright, Lindsay Wright Beveridge (Andrew), and Carmon Small. Great-grandchildren Henry, Hudson, Shepherd, Mary Adeline, Holden, Hadley, Beatrice, Logan and a sister, Elsie Lowder of Florence.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Spring Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Davis, Pastor Benny Barwick and Dr. Rhett Wilson, Sr. A private burial will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and at other times at the family home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Spring Hill Baptist Church, 2245 Old Camden Monroe Highway, Lancaster, SC 29720.
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