William Mann

PRINCETON – William H. Mann, lovingly known as “Billy” went to rest on July 21, 2025. Born January 30, 1930, at home, in Assurance, Monroe County, West Virginia (now known as Cook’s Run Road), Billy was a man of deep honesty, loyalty, and Appalachian wisdom. He attended WV Business College in Bluefield, WV. IN 1950, Billy joined the U.S. Navy and served his country with pride until 1954, traveling the world aboard the USS Benham while sharing this journey with his brother Harry. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career with Kroger, where he worked from 1955 until his retirement in 1995. On July 3 1955, Billy married the love of his life, Betty Jo Wooten, and together they shared a life full of love and devotion until her passing in 2003. A man who found peace and joy in nature, Billy loved trout fishing and hiking through the mountains on the ridge lines he called home. He was also a gifted photographer, capturing thousands of images of the natural world, scenic landscapes, and the family he held dear. Billy was a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church. One of eight siblings, born into a close-knit family, Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Esther Mann of Lindside, his brothers, Donald, Carl, and Larry Mann; and his beloved wife, Betty Jo. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Belcher and her husband Bill; his son, Rick Mann and wife Sherry; grandchildren, Kristen Mann, Leslie Mann and partner Michael Rowell, Adam Belcher and his wife Ashley Crawford, and Amanda Shrewsbury and her husband Alvin; great-grandchildren, Mikah and Maxx Mann, Scarlett and Ivy Carr, Kobey Taylor-Williams and partner Lacy Bridges, and Noah Taylor; sisters, Lucy Graham, Nancy Phillips, and Bonnie Barberie and her husband, Dwain; his dear brother, Harry Mann; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Bill’s memory will live on through the stories, photographs, and love he shared with all who knew him Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025 with Reverend Greg Kinzer, officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton. Military Honors will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from noon until the service hour. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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William Mann

January 30, 1930 - July 21, 2025