William "Billy" Hubert Cain, Jr.

William (Billy) Hubert Cain, Jr who was born January 27, 1944 in Portsmouth, Virginia, died peacefully at his home in White Oak on July 21, 2026. He graduated from Fayetteville Technical School with a degree in Auto Mechanics, then went to work at Clark Motor Company and later Veeder Root. After several years, he joined his parents in business as the owner/operator of Cain’s Grocery and Grill where he and his wife, Stella became icons of the business. In later years, he served as a rural mail carrier for White Oak and Tar Heel.

Billy was a pillar of the community, serving as President of White Oak Ruritan Club and White Oak Fire Chief for a number of years. He also served as a trustee for Bethlehem United Methodist Church in White Oak where he was a faithful member.

Known for his big heart and willingness to help others, Billy was known to open the store in the middle of the night to get supplies for those in need. When he was a mail carrier, all the kids on his route could count on him to have candy to hand out to them. There wasn’t much he couldn’t or wouldn’t do for his family as well as others. His animals were like family to him as well; a trait he inherited from his mother, Mabel.

Billy was predeceased by his father, William Hubert Cain and his mother, Mabel Melvin Cain of White Oak. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Stella Ricks Cain who was his faithful caregiver for the past several years during his illness. He leaves behind two daughters, Wendy Cain Sholar (Dwayne) and Nicole Cain Dove of White Oak and a son, Corey Cain (Tracy) of Knoxville, Tennessee, grandchildren Caleb Sholar (Ashlynn), Olivia Sholar, Dylan Dove, Bergan Cain, Ryan Dove, Kellan Cain, Aniston and Keaton. His faithful dog, Bella and cat, Honey were devoted to him until the end. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at the Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service is planned for Friday, July 24th at 11:00 am at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church in White Oak with the Reverend Keith Dowd and Reverend Mark Gustafson officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Donations may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church in White Oak or the Christ Community Church.