Billy “Bill” Anson Oxendine lived a long, eventful life of 89 years from Aug. 6, 1937 until Oct. 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Oxendine and Lillian Cummings, along with his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Annie Fisher Oxendine; his children, Leda Martin, Tonna Galla and Billy Oxendine; as well as seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Born and raised in Robeson County, N.C., he was a lifelong member of the Lumbee tribe and grew up running the dirt roads and fishing along the banks. He then moved to Baltimore, Md., for a stint where he met and fell in love with his wife, Annie. They returned to Annie’s homeplace in Blacksburg, where they raised a family that kept growing for generations and who lovingly called him “pawpaw.” Most of his time was spent on the mountain with good horses and his dogs, listening to bluegrass, while leaning over the hog pen with any and all who would visit. It was, in essence, “Bill’s Piece of Mind.” His family is planning for a private service on the mountain to celebrate his fruitful life.
