In a Facebook post, Cat5 announced their final performance will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024 in Thomasville, North Carolina. We're certainly saddened of the news and we wish each member the very best in the future. You can read the entire release below;
Facebook Post
Dear friends, family, and all our amazing fans,After five incredible years together, we’ve come to a decision that feels both bittersweet and necessary. We are officially announcing that we are stepping away from Cat5live. This wasn’t an easy choice, but it’s one that each of us feels is the right path moving forward. Our last show will be next Friday Night in Thomasville NC.
These past 5 and a half years have been a journey we will never forget. From the first time we jammed on that dirt floor garage in Lexington NC, to those all day studio sessions, and the electric energy of performing live—those moments will stay with us forever. We’ve grown not only as musicians but also as friends, and that bond will always remain strong, even as we move on to different projects and passions.
We want to thank each and every one of you who supported us along the way. Whether you came to a show, streamed our songs, shared a post, or told your friends about our music, you were a part of this journey. Your support and belief in us meant the world, and we couldn’t have made it this far without you.
This isn’t a goodbye forever, but rather the end of this particular chapter. Who knows what the future holds? We may cross paths again in new creative ways. But for now, we’re grateful for the memories we’ve made and the music we’ve shared together.
Thank you for being a part of our story. We hope our music stays with you, just as your love and support will always stay with us.
Please show our amazing Sponsors some love with your patronage. Over the coming months we will be show casing each one of these special companies and people. they had a huge impact on us being able to share our love of music to you our friends and fans.
Female Vocalist
Deb Browning
Karen Clayton (Castaways)
Laura Kepley (The Tonez)
Lesa Hudson (Rick Strickland Band)
Rhonda McDaniel (Carolina Coast Band)
Angela Resignalo (The Catalinas)
Male Vocalist
Chuck French (Band of Oz)
Gary Lowder (Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot)
Dustin Ahkuoi (Band of Oz)
Jim Quick (Jim Quick & Coastline)
Rick Strickland (Rick Strickland Band)
Steve Long (Too Much Sylvia)
Rising Star
Autumn Tyde
Bridger Warlick (Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot)
Evan Wright (The Pink Slips)
Pepper Creek Band
Steve Cheek
Entertainer
Craig Woolard w/ Embers feat. Craig Woolard
Dustin Ahkuoi w/ Band of Oz
Gary Lowder w/ Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
Jim Quick w/ Jim Quick & Coastline
Karen Clayton w/ The Castaways
Lesa Hudson w/ Rick Strickland Band
Laura Kepley w/ The Tonez
Smoothie
"Count On Me" Lesa Hudson
“Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me” The Castaways ft Karen C. & Brady H.
"Dreamcicle" Rev Bubba Deliverance
“I Believe In You And Me" The Pink Slips ft Evan Wright
“I'll Be Loving You Always” Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot
Song of the Year
"Another Day” Too Much Sylvia
“Better” Rhonda McDaniel
“Everythings Changed” Rivermist
" Joined At The Heart" Rick Strickland
“Sunshine & Summertime” Deb Browning & Marlisa Kay Smalls
“Wildfire” Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot ft Joe Morris
National Dance / Shag Song
“Broke” Teddy Swims & Thomas Rhett
"Dance With Me" Niko Moon
"Fires Don't Start Themselves" Darius Rucker
“ Just One More” California Honeydrops
“Top Down” Nadia Shutkufski
Album of the Year
“All I Want For Christmas” The Embers ft Craig Woolard
“Burning It Up for Your Love” Sylvia Johns Ritchie
”Give Me Gospel” Deb Browning
”In The Moment” Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
”Power of Two” Rick Strickland & Lesa Hudson
" Whole Lotta Susan" Susan Trexler
Group of the Year
Band of Oz
Embers ft. Craig Woolard
Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot
Jim Quick & Coastline
Rick Strickland Band
Too Much Sylvia
Radio DJ (Ted Bell Award)
Cole Coggins 94.9 FM / WVCO Loris, SC
Craig Woolard 107.9 FM /WNCT Greenville, NC
Eric Bowman 99.1 FM / WDZD Monroe, NC
Fred Rouse Beach, Boogie & Blues Greenville, NC
Jay Kinlaw 94.9 FM / WVCO Loris, SC
Jim Quick 94.9 FM / WVCO Loris, SC
Mike Brooks 98.3 FM / WLUS Oxford, NC
Pat Patterson 96.5 FM / WPCC Clinton, SC
Shaun Lamm 99.3 FM / WZAX Nashville, NC
Internet DJ
Ben Morris Beach Waves Radio
Johnny B Riptideradio.com
Justin Rubow Riptideradio.com
Scott Smith Beach Trip Radio
Tim Johnson Beach Waves Radio
Townsend Link Beach Waves Radio
Syndicated Radio Show
"At the Beach w/ Pat Gwinn" Gwinn, Hicks & Benningfield
“Beach Music Top 40” John Hook
“On the Beach w/ Charlie Brown” Charlie Brown & Chris Beachley
“Swamp Soul” Jim Quick & Bo Gilbert
Internet Show
“Beach Bound and Down” Townsend Link
“Carolina Beach Party” Johnny B
“Deckers Deck Party ft Rat Scott” Ray Scott
“Rhythm And Waves" Justin Rubow
“The Beach Trip” Scott Smith
"The Freeway" Wayne Free
Club (Bill Griffin Award)
Loafers Beach Club Raleigh, NC
Lynn’s Dance Club Charlotte, NC
Memories Beach Club Atlantic Beach, NC
OD Arcade N. Myrtle Beach, SC
OD Pavilion N. Myrtle Beach, SC
TB’s Shack Prosperity, SC
Live Music Venue (Cecil Corbett Award)
Blackmon Amphitheatre Mt. Airy, NC
Deckerz N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Duck's Beach Club N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Scallywag's Bar & Grill New London, NC
Spanish Galleon N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Event of the Year
Go With The Flow Cruise 2024 Port Canaveral, FL
Carolina Beach Music Festival 2024 Carolina Beach, NC
NC Beach Blast Festival 2023 King's Mountain, NC
Making Waves Cruise 2024 Port Canaveral, FL
Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival 2024 N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Shaggin’ For A Cause 2024 South Hill, VA
TR’s Cancer Fighters 16th Annual Oyster Roast North Myrtle Beach, SC
Shag Club Event of the Year
Discontinued 2023
Club/Mobile DJ
Andy Lucy
Eric Bowman
Jay Kinlaw
Justin Rouse
Justin Rubow
Pat Patterson
Shaun Lamm
Radio Station
91.7 FM WSGE Dallas, NC
96.5 FM WPCC Clinton, SC
97.9 FM WTRG Gaston, NC
98.3 FM WLUS Oxford, NC
99.1 FM WDZD Monroe, NC
99.3 FM WZAX Nashville, NC
102.9 FM WELS Kinston, NC
Internet Station
Back To The Beach Radio.com Rock Hall
Beach Trip Radio Scott Smith
Beach Waves Radio Townsend Link, Scott Walker & Ben Morris
Flip Flop Live Andy Lucy & Jonathan Sharpe
RIPTIDE Radio Scott, Henriksen & Dennis
Producer
Andy King "Lonely Side Of Town" Blackwater Band ft Angela King
Casey Meyer “Hustlin'” Jim Quick & Coastline ft Albert Rogers
Christopher Biehler "You To Me Are Everything" The Embers ft. Craig Woolard
David Howard Faircloth "Dance" The Pink Slips
Ocean Drive Productions "Everything's Changed" Rivermist
Rick Strickland “Joined At The Heart Rick Strickland
Ricky Fox "Wildfire" Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot ft. Joe Morris
Engineer
Casey Meyer “Hustlin'” Jim Quick & Coastline ft Albert Rogers
David Rhyne “Another Day” Too Much Sylvia
Guy Brooks "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" The Castaways ft Karen Clayton & Brady Hastings
Keith Houston “Better” Rhonda McDaniel
Rick Strickland “Joined At The Heart” Rick Strickland
Scott Frazier “Wildfire” Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot ft. Joe Morris
Collaboration or Duo
“Going Down Swinging” Mike Taylor & Sylvia Johns Ritchie
“I'm Your Puppet” Mike Taylor & Karen Clayton
“Lonely Side Of Town’” Blackwater Band ft Angela King
“Someday At Christmas” Craig Woolard & Jackie Gore
“Sunshine & Summertime” Deb Browning & Marlisa Kay Small
“Wildfire” Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot ft. Joe Morris
Songwriter(s)
Casey Meyer “Hustlin'” Jim Quick & Coastline ft. Albert Rogers
Charlie Sattenfield “Goin' Pentacostal” Blackwater Band
David Howard Faircloth "Dance" The Pink Slips
Joe Morris & Gary Lowder "Wildfire" Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot ft. Joe Morris
Lesa Hudson "Count On Me" Lesa Hudson
Rick Lee "Another Day” Too Much Sylvia
Wayne Free "Tequila On Ice" Wayne Free
Instrumentalist
Brady Hastings Sax The Castaways
Daniel Morris Sax Band Of Oz
LD Worley Guitar Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot
Rick Strickland Guitar Rick Strickland Band
Rhonda McDaniel Keyboard Carolina Coast Band
Shawn McElrath Sax The Swinging Medallions
Live Production
Bob Blair Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot
Mike Ashworth The Castaways
Steve Davis The Band of Oz
Steve Jones Rivermist
Steven Edwards The Embers ft. Craig Woolard
Timm Denning Jim Quick & Coastline
Radio Show
Carolina Ocean Drive Mike Brooks & Alan D
Surf Countdown Jay Kinlaw & Bo Gilbert
Sunrise on The Beach Shaun Lamm
The Beat of The Beach Pat Patterson
The Craig Woolard Show Craig Woolard
The Wave Beach Music Countdown Eric Bowman
The Wake Up Show Fred Rouse
Concert Series
Blackmon Amphitheatre Concert Series Mt. Airy, NC
Calabash Concert Series Calabash, NC
Lake Life Clarksville, VA
Midtown Concert Series - North Hills Raleigh, NC
Music on Main (Horseshoe) N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Shoe Center Appreciation Days N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Michael Branch Award
Andy Lucy & Jonathan Sharpe Flip Flop Live
Bo Gilbert Bo The Webguy
Eric Bowman Bowties Entertainment
Julian B. Fowler Little Peddler Productions
Mack Barnhill Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
Melissa Hinson OD Mafia & Ocean Drive Productions
Pat Patterson Beach Music 45
Music Video
“Another Day” Too Much Sylvia
“God Winked” Doyle Wood
“It's Over” Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot
“Someday At Christmas” Craig Woolard & Jackie Gore
”Wildfire” Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot ft. Joe Morris
"Hustlin" Jim Quick & Coastline
Join Peter Carpenter and Chad Sain TOMORROW at HOTO's - "Harold's On The Ocean" on 94.9 The Surf during the Surf Team’s Tiki Bar remote from 11 AM to 3 PM! They’ll be announcing the 2024 Carolina Beach Music Awards nominees. TR's Cancer Fighters Inc. will also be selling raffle tickets for their oyster roast, with a chance to win tickets to the Surf Christmas Show, CBMA Industry Awards floor seats, and exclusive T-shirts. The winner will be drawn at the end of the remote.
This is not a decision made without a substantial amount of collaboration, deliberation, research and prayer. Membership attrition and leadership turnover have led us to the unfortunate reality that our beloved organization was no longer sustainable.
Our remaining funds will be donated to Transitions LifeCare, the nonprofit beneficiary of our long-running and Carolina Beach Music Awards Shag Club Event of the Year winning fundraiser.
For this dance, music and lifestyle we love so much to stay alive – we must all pledge to continue pouring our passion into what opportunities are left. Learn more about other ACSC clubs, parties and lessons at ShagDance.com, and please support dance venues and professional instructors through your attendance and spending.
Thank you for your support and dedication for 31 years of the Raleigh Shag Club.
Sincerely,
Karen Brown
RSC President 2024
919-691-4332
If you were planning on joining the Carolina Beach Music Academy and you'd like to be able to nominate your favorites in 2024, your final chance to join is here! Be sure to visit the CBMA website and join by July 1, 2024. You can support your favorites in all catergories including; bands, musicians, events, radio stations, DJs, songs, producers and everyone in the industry that keeps beach music alive. Show your support and join today and make plans to attend Cammy Weekend in November in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Across many platforms, friends of Don Tetreault are sharing their stories and many memories of "Twister" or "The Kissing Bandit". He touched many lives throughout the industry and it's great to see all of the stories shared. Once an obituary and/or service information has been shared, we'll be sure to update you with that information.
Starting as a one hour show in late 1989 and later moving into a four hour format, the Friday Beach Blast has been entertaining beach music lovers for years with longtime radio DJ Johnny Draper. Sadly on June 5, 2024, George Whitley "Johnny" Draper passed away at the age of eighty three. (see related story).
During the Friday, June 14, 2024 Friday Beach Blast broadcast, it was announced that our very own Andy Lucy would be taking over the popular radio show and his first show is coming up on Friday, July 5, 2024. Andy started in the DJ business at only sixteen years old and his radio career began at WEVA in Emporia, Virginia in 1997. Andy loves beach music and the industry as a whole. He's also co-founder of Flip Flop Live and Flip Flop Live Radio and as always he continues to help promote the industry and he's not one to toot his own horn so I will do it for him. You will not only hear Andy behind the mic but you will find him at various shows throughout Virginia and the Carolinas supporting the bands, fellow DJs and of course seeing all of the many friends he's made within the beach music community.
Learn more about Andy, find a live streaming player and connect with him on his page!
Be sure to tune in every Friday beginning July 5, 2024 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on WTRG 97.9FM, WDLZ 98.3FM, WWDW 107.7FM and of course streaming on the Tune-In app and each station's website. Andy will be continuing the tradition and taking your reqeusts by calling 252-538-9790
The Feature Attraction Band announced they've released their newest single "We're Not Here for a Long Time (We're Here for a Good Time). The song is currently available from your favorite beach music DJs and it's also available to stream on your favorite service. You can listen to the new song below!
On June 5, 2024 it was shared on the WTRG facebook page that longtime radio host, Johnny Draper had passed. The post reads; "It is with Heavy Hearts that we have to share the passing of this Radio Legend Johnny Draper. Johnny Hosted The Friday Night Beach Blast for many years. Johnny gave many of us our start in Radio many years ago. Condolences goes out to his family and many friends. RIP Johnny Draper. Keep checking back for more details on his arrangements."
Starting as a one hour show in late 1989 and later moving into a four hour format, the Friday Beach Blast has been entertaining beach music lovers for years. On June 5, 2024, George Whitley "Johnny" Draper passed away at the age of eighty three. Johnny worked his way up from announcer, program director, assistant manager, general manager, and became an Owner in the 70’s of WCBT Radio. In 1988 Johnny formed Draper Communications and put WLGQ (97Q) on the air and you could hear him weekly as host of the Friday Beach Blast and with his show Exclusive Gold heard on Sundays.
On November 11, 2022, Johnny was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame by beach music DJ Butch Halpin and Carolina Beach Music Executive Board Member during Cammy Weekend in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As regular listeners here at Flip Flop Live, Johnny was great at what he did and people loved him and we're so proud that we were also able to call him a friend.
Obituary Announcement:
George Whitley “Johnny” Draper, 83, of Weldon, NC passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.Johnny was the son of the late George Whitley Draper, Sr. and Louise Millikin Draper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Draper, his sister, Sally Ray Draper Warren and his niece, Lillian Clark Hill. Johnny loved radio; he owned and operated WCBT, WSMY and WLGQ radio stations for several years. He was a life-time member of the Weldon Fire Department and was the Mayor of Weldon for 40 years. He was a lover of beach music and hosted the Friday Night Beach Blast on area stations since the late 1980’s. He was inducted into the Carolina “DJ” Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Lori Draper of Weldon, his sister, Peggy Draper Coker and her husband, Jimmy of Roanoke Rapids and his nephew, Whit Coker of Roanoke Rapids. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Weldon Fire Department at 109 Washington Ave., Weldon, NC 27890.
If you'd like to send your condolences to the family, you can sign his guestbook on the funeral home's website.
For the past 5 years, Camron Dudley has been an integral part of our band, contributing his immense talent, creativity, and passion to every performance, recording, and behind-the-scenes management.
Today, we are sad to announce his departure from Cat5live.
His unique musical style and infectious energy has and will leave an incredible mark on our band and our fans and friends.
We are eternally grateful for the incredible memories, laughter, and musical moments we have shared with Camron. His contributions have shaped our band's identity and will forever be treasured. We wish Camron all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to witnessing his continued success.
Thank you, Camron, for the unforgettable experiences and for being a cherished member of our musical family. Your presence will be deeply missed.
Cat5 will carry on touring and performing at the highest standard possible for the year 2024 and beyond. For Bookings, please call Abby at BrioLive 704-467-5397.
The Atlantic Beach Shag Club CSA Shag Contest was held March 22nd and March 23rd 2024 at Memories Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, NC below are the final results!
Amateur Division=- 5 Couples
1. Robby and Caryn Helms
2. Dewayne Rivenbark and Sheila Fulcher
3. Tony Wolter and Barbara Smith
4. Ron and Jen Blackwelder
5. Jack Bond and Tricia Drew
Novice Division- 8 Couples
1. Tim and Ashley Lauer
2. James and Leah Bryant
3. Clay and Cheryl Parker
4. Rick Hahn and Jo Patrick Simokat
5. Paul and Rebecca Blackwelder
6. Mark and Robin Casey
7. Donnie and Kelly Sanders
8. Lou Martino and Dottie
Sr. Pro Division- 5- Couples
1. Gene Pope and Tobitha Stewart
2. Gene and Kathy Benfield
3. Bruce Yates and Barbara Banks
4. Jesse Bradshaw and Pat Folds
5. Archer and Pat Joyce
Pro Division- 5 Couples
1. Joey and Jennifer Sogluizzo
2. Adam Holmes and Erica Russell
3. Carlton Vinson and Brandi Dockery
4. Allan Grider and Pat Folds
5. Marcus and Cameron Thigpen
On Saturday, January 6, 2024 the Part Time Party Time Band announced on their Facebook page the passing of forty plus year member, Garry Gahagen. Garry was the bassist for the band. On their website it says that Garry "enjoyed performing and recording with regional and national acts throughout the Eastern seaboard and internationally."
We extend our condolences to his family as well as his Part Time Party Time Band family.
On Wednesday, January 3, 2024 the Castaways announced the release of their new single, "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" featuring Karen Clayton and Bardy Hasting on vocals. Their Facebook post reads: "Happy New Year everyone! We are starting the new year off with a new single release! "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" featuring Karen Clayton and Brady Hasting has been sent out to DJs. Please request. Also, check out Karen's collaboration duet with Mike Taylor of The Holiday Band, "I'm Your Puppet" Looking forward to spreading a lot of love in 2024!!"
Call you favorite DJs and stations to request it and you can also listen and purchase a copy on their website.
The South Carolina Shaggers Hall of Fame have announced their 2024 Inductees. The induction party will be held February 3, 2024 in the backroom at Fat Harold's Beach Club in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For full event details, visit their website.
The 2023 Carolina Beach Music Industry Awards show will be held, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 3:00PM at the Spanish Galleon in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you're unable to attend in person you'll be able to listen live online thanks to Riptide Radio. You can listen on their website and we'll also have it streaming here on Flip Flop Live at this link and via the player below. Good luck to all of the nominees!
The beach music community is mourning the loss of the legendary Johnny Barker. If you're a fan of beach music you will certainly recognize his name and the music that he has written and/or performed. So many condolence messages and stories have been shared across the various social media platforms today since the announcement of his passing on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Johnny's family along with the Catalinas family and all of the people who were lucky enough to call him a friend. His contributions to the industry are unmatched and throughout the various posts that we've read today, so many have called him a musical icon, legend, one of a kind, songwriter extrordinaire and so much more.
We will update this post with his obituary once that has been released and we will continue to pray for his family and friends during this difficult time.
The Carolina Beach Music Academy (CBMA) will be announcing the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees on Friday, April 21, 2023 LIVE on 94.9FM The Surf. Join; The Professor, Harold Ballard, Jim Quick, Jim Morgan, Jay Kinlaw, and CBMA President Peter Carpenter. You can stream the show by clicking the player below and on the Surf website. We look forward to hearing the names as they're announced LIVE from 11:00AM until 1:00PM.
On April 2, 2023 Barbara Swanke shared the following post on the popular Facebook group "Willie C's Beach Music Cafe" - "Sadly WillieC has passed and this Cafe will be taken down.Thank you to all who have expressed condolences. Bill truly enjoyed the music and meeting so many of you with like interests."
We send our condolences to Willie's entire family and we've enjoyed being members of the popular Facebook group where so many shared stories, videos, music and more throughout the group. We've included his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please follow the link to the funeral home website.
Obituary
William C. Swanke Jr., age 79, of Little River, South Carolina passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023. Born on September 15, 1943, in Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late William C. Swanke, Sr. and Florence Welch Swanke. He married Barbara on April 24,1984 in New Mexico.
An Assistant VP Director of CIGNA Medicare Systems, William retired following 40+ years of dedicated service in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Following his retirement, he and Barbara moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC.
William was a founding member of United Group Harmony Association "UGHA" in New Jersey and hosted a vocal group radio show, "The Big Beat Show". He was the creator and owner of WillieC's RnB Beach Music Cafe Internet Radio, WillieC was well-known throughout Ocean Drive Beach, and would always be seen at all the SOS hangouts. He was awarded the 2007 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the Industry Appreciation Award"; 2008 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the "Internet Radio Show of the Year Award", the 2009 CMBA "Michael Branch Award" and was nominated for the 2010 CBMA Internet Radio Show.
Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Barbara Swanke; children, Christine Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Jeffrey Swanke. He is also survived by grandchildren, Patrick Tucker, Jesse McKeough, Matthew Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Katelyn McKeough.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Swanke family.
The industry is mourning the loss of Craig Fleming and so many throughout the industry have expressed their condolences by way of social media. We've certainly missed his "Inside the Music" articles on BeachMusic45 and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was such a great guy and wonderful supporter of the beach music industry. You will find his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please visit the link to the funeral home website.
Obituary:
Honea Path – Thomas Craig Fleming, 55, beloved husband of Jenifer Bates Fleming, of Griffin Farm Road, went home to be with his Savior on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at AnMed Health Center. Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Thomas Charlie and Nancy Sharpe Fleming. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he was active in the Men’s Group. Previously, he served at Bethany World Outreach Center as the pre-worship music minister. He was a 1985 graduate of BHP High School and held an Associate of Arts from Tri-County Technical College. He was manager of CVS Pharmacy of Belton, where he greeted every visitor to the store with a smile.
He loved going to the beach and soaking up the sunshine and was also a member and DJ of the Electric City Shag Club. On many a beach trip, he and Jenifer could be found out on the dance floor “cutting a rug” with the official state dance, the Shag. He also was an avid music fan, and turned that love into a part time passion as a DJ at beach gatherings, weddings, reunions, and special occasions. He also enjoyed watching the Gamecocks play and collected memorabilia from his favorite team.
Surviving are his wife of the home, a sister, Lisa Howell (Russ) of Honea Path, niece, Danielle Allen (Candace) of Williamston, father and mother-in-law, Bill and Jane Bates of Honea Path, brother-in-law Gil Bates (Kelly Jo) of Rockey Top, TN, and brother-in-law Greg Bates (Casey) of Honea Path, and 36 nieces and nephews, and 28 great-nieces and great-nephews.
His celebration of life will be held at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rickey Knight, the Rev. Chris Arries, and the Rev. Gil Bates officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Tuesday in the social hall of Trinity United Methodist Church prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in the Garden of Memories. The family is at the home.
On March 27, 2023, the Association of Beach and Shag Club DJs (ABSCDJS) shared the following post: " We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing or our fellow DJ Billy Layton. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Nina Carol and his family as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers."
We send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends and we've included a link below to his online guest book if you'd like to send your condolences to the family.
Obituary:
Billy Ray Layton, age 75, a resident of Washington, NC, died Sunday March 26, 2023, surrounded by friends and family at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC. The family will receive friends from 7:00PM until 9:00 PM Thursday March 30, 2023, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington. Mr. Layton was born in Pitt County on June 16, 1947, to the late Wesley Layton and Frances Merritt Layton. On May 2, 2015, he married Nina Carol Rhodes. Mr. Layton loved being a DJ, listening to beach music, and going fishing. He was a lifelong member of the Eastern North Carolina Shag Club, a member of the Staton House Fire Department for over 20 years, and the DJ Association in Myrtle Beach.
Survivors include his wife, Nina Carol Layton of the home, three children, Richard L. Layton of Greenville, Renea L. McGehee and husband Gary of Biscoe, Tanya L. McGrady of Albemarle, ten grandchildren, Carley J. Williams, Hunter Pierce Layton, Caleb Scott Suggs, Leya Grace Suggs, Joshua David Layton, Hannah Diane Anderson, Jason Anderson, Meghan Anderson, Kayleigh Gaskins, Riley Gaskins, a brother, Glen Layton, two step sons, Jon Ramsey and Larkin of Kinston, Jason Ramsey and wife Rachel of Raleigh, and six step grandchildren, Jaylin, Payton, Caleb, Isla, Owen, and Cole. He is preceded in death by a grandchild, Weston Orr, a step granddaughter, Jessica Ramsey, and a brother, Wesley Layton. Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Layton family.
