William Eley

July 14, 1963 - April 21, 2022

William Eley affectionately known as "Stepalong" or "Stephan" was born on July 14, 1963 in New York. God used Geneva Eley to bring William into this world. Goldie Gatlin was the angel on Earth that nurtured and raised him. On Thursday, April 21, 2022, our husband, father, stepdad, grandpa, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend made a peaceful transition into eternal life. William was raised in Murfreesboro, North Carolina and completed most of his education in Hertford County, North Carolina. He graduated from Hertford County High School in Murfreesboro, North Carolina in 1982. He lived in North Carolina most of his life and moved to Georgia in 1997. William's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He loved fishing, going to car shows, watching movies and traveling. His passion for driving allowed him to drive as a profession. At the time of his passing, he was employed by White's Transportation. No words can describe how much William will be missed. He will live on in the hearts of his family through so many precious memories. He is survived by his wife of almost 31 years Surretta Faison Eley; his children, Teaunda Rodgers (Tavarus), Martin McCoy, Jr, Whitney Eley (Dominique) and Willetta Eley; seven brothers, Greg (Tammy), Roland, Dwayne (Sherry), Anthony (Renalda), Keith (Ollie), Derrick and Wayne (Rachel); two sisters, Navasha (Anthony) and Tamara; three aunts, Mary Eley, Earlene Watford and Mildred Cooper; grandchildren, King McCoy, Brycen Rodgers and baby Logan Robinson who’s arrival he was anxiously awaiting on July 14, 2022; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his biological mother Geneva Eley and his mother Goldie Gatlin.