Billy Dorce McAlpin,

Billy Dorce McAlpin, age 77, of Taylorsville, left this earthly life on July 21, 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born February 25, 1935 in Alexander County to the late Parks Savanas and Hester Ellen Teague McAlpin, he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Known to many on the road as "Wild Bill", he enjoyed being a professional driver for Sherrill Furniture for forty years, before his retirement Billy was known for his sense of humor and leaves his family and friends with many joyful memories. "Laugh as long as you breathe" was his motto.  In addition to his parents he joins in heaven, his  wife of over fifty years, Pauline; a daughter, Kimberly and a son, Bobby, as well as a brother Grady.  Billy is survived by his son, Mike Florence, three daughters; Paula Matheson, Elaine Smith, and Debbie Pennell and a sister, Hazel Ireland, all of Taylorsville. Mr. McAlpin has seventeen grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 4:00-5:00p.m. at Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service with memorial services at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Bill Orren officiating. Private burial will follow in the Taylorsville City Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be afforded by the Marine Corp League of the Catawba Valley Department 1163.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.