WINNSBORO – William “Billy” James Ladd Sr. died on Feb. 26, 2016 in his home with his family surrounding him. Billy was born on Sept. 4, 1954, to the late Thomas Albert Ladd Sr. and Johnnie Belle (Dot) Gregory Ladd. He spent his childhood in Blair, S.C. loving the outdoors and trying to stay out of trouble with his pet snakes. He was a 1972 graduate of Richard Winn Academy and a 1976 graduate of Presbyterian College. He moved to Winnsboro after he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Haslett Ladd, where they raised three children and quite a few cattle and turkeys on their family farm.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Salem Presbyterian Church conducted by the Rev. Richard Hodges. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 at Richard Winn Academy.
Billy trusted in Jesus Christ as his Savior and was a long time member of Salem Presbyterian Church where he served as treasurer and ruling elder. He was an example of sacrificial love and service to his fellow man and community. He was generous with his time and talents and found great joy in helping others. He served in many capacities among the farming community on various boards of the Farm Bureau and SC Cattleman’s Association as well as the Board of Directors at RWA.
Billy had a special place in his heart for the game of baseball, and he spent many years coaching and influencing young men, from little league to high school players. In 2007 he had the privilege of coaching his own son in a state championship victory for RWA. In his last days on earth, he was inducted into the RWA Athletic Hall of Fame and humbled to learn that the RWA baseball field will soon be named in his honor.
Billy will be most remembered by his family and friends for his servant’s heart, strength of character and playful spirit. He loved to laugh and loved to make others smile. He is survived by his wife, Martha, of 37 years; daughters Frances Lightcap (Jamie), Callie Sims (James) and son William Ladd Jr. (Meg); brothers Thomas Ladd Jr. and John Ladd (Sydney); brother-in-law Carl Smith, and grandchildren Lucy, Bella, Simon, Sophie and Anne Lightcap. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Callie Smith.
The family would like to thank Dr. Harmon Patrick and Hospice Care of S.C. for their loving care of Billy these last few months. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to Salem Presbyterian Church (276 State Hwy. 215 North, Blair, S.C. 29015) or Richard Winn Academy (P.O. Box 390, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180). To God be the glory for the life of Billy Ladd.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Ladd family.
Online condolences can be sent to the Ladd family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.
