NEW BERN, N.C. - William Elliott Street, III, (Bill or Billy to most), 81, passed away August 11, 2017. He lived at Pruitt Neuse, where lifelong friends Mr. Oscar Kafer and Mr. Steve Hines faithfully visited each week and Ms. Felicia Sutton Franklin was his guardian angel.

Born February 5, 1936 in Smithfield, NC and raised in New Bern, Mr. Street was the only child of the late WE Street, Jr. and Hazel Hoard Street. He was married to the late Priscilla Ross Street, originally of New Bern, from 1965-1985.

He is survived by daughters Suzanne Ross Street Banzet (husband Jule) of Winston-Salem and Stacy Hoard Street (partner Beth Spainhour) of Greensboro. Left to treasure his memory and laugh at his antics are grandsons Julius (J) Edmond Banzet V, 15, and William (Will) Ross Banzet, 13. He also was fond of sister-in-law Mary Ross and nieces Sherri Ross and Sheila Hill, of New Bern.

He grew up on E. Front St., living life to the fullest. A true people-person and gifted storyteller, his tales were of mischief and adventure involving many fun-loving friends; his dog Butch; boating on the rivers; his passions for football, basketball, baseball, and golf; and countless hours at New Bern Golf & Country Club. He reminisced of working at Hill's downtown; shooting pool at the Metropolitan Club; burgers at The Parkway; sports and girls at New Bern High School; sports but no girls at Oak Ridge Military Academy; bowling championships; and trips to Morehead and Myrtle Beach. He attended Centenary Methodist Church.

At UNC-Chapel Hill, he was on the golf team and pledged Sigma Nu, before earning his Business degree at ECU. He served in the United States Air Force and spent his entire career in life insurance, earning the CLU. His career path led the family to Texas, California, Virginia, and back to NC. He coached Little League baseball, was PTA president, and attended 18 years of dance recitals (without falling asleep!).
Back in New Bern in 1985, he reconnected with old friends and made new ones from all walks of life. A man of routine, he was a regular at Billy's Ham & Eggs, the Waffle House (for the Mr. Bill Special), and McDonalds (for both "shifts") and spent afternoons in the Card Room of the New Bern Country Club. He loved talking sports, politics, the economy, and anything related to his grandsons; spoiled his dogs Buff and Max; and proudly considered himself "the biggest Carolina fan in eastern North Carolina."

His family wishes to thank all who added such life to his Golden years, incl. those named above plus:
• His fun-loving Boys at McDonald's, who for years have met each morning to philosophize and solve the world's problems over Senior Coffee.
• His treasured "Guys in the Cardroom" of NBGCC, a loyal group of senior members who enjoyed lively gin-rummy tournaments and debated the day's topics. Also club manager Mr. Patrick Dill and the snack bar and pro shop staffs, who made him happy and kept watch over him for his daughters.
• Dr. Thomas Burkart, Dr. Stuart Jennings, and all at Eastern Nephrology for their excellent care.
• Everyone who made it possible for Bill Street to live out his years on his terms in his beloved hometown of New Bern.

Arrangements are by Kahlert Cremations of Maysville. A Celebration of Life is planned for October 22nd at 2 pm at the New Bern Country Club. All friends and family are welcomed!

Published in Sun Journal from Aug. 26 to Sept. 25, 2017