Mr. William Edward Peay, 67, was born October 6, 1951, in Winston-Salem, NC. He was raised by his adoptive parents, William Lester Peay and Sadie Dorsett Peay. He transitioned from this life peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2019. William graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1970. His educational journey continued and he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Winston-Salem State University in 1974, and later a Master of Science Degree from A T State University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Appalachian State University. He was employed by Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System for 30 years. William worked as a principal for twenty-two of those years; those schools included Parkland High School, Philo Middle School, Mineral Springs Middle School as well as the Optional Education Program. He retired in 2005. He was a member of the Social Promoters Club and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. William was actively involved in humanitarian events in the Winston-Salem community. He was an avid music lover and professional drummer, having performed with the Versatiles and later the Ebony Music Company. William was a football coach of the 1977 championship team at WSSU. He dearly loved WSSU football and was inducted into the C. E. Big House Gaines Hall of Fame in 2013. William also loved fishing and the Cherry Grove Pier at North Myrtle Beach was his favorite place to fish. He was such a loving and devoted husband and father who enjoyed traveling with his boys and watching their basketball games. His love for his family and extended family can be measured only by how well he cared about them and for them. He had a strong belief in God; so strong that he overcame many difficult times during his illness. William would always try to convince us (with a cheerful smile) that things werent as dire as they seemed. In addition to his adoptive parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Christopher Peay. William is lovingly survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda Brown Peay, two sons, William Clifton Peay, and Antwain Edward Peay; the new light of his life- his first and only grandchild, Chloe Willow Peay-West; his biological mother, Annie M. Mills of Bridgeport, CT; four sisters-in-law, Jean Couthen, Shirley Spencer, Katie Peay, and Tammer Brown; three brothers-in-law, Sam Couthen, James Spencer, and James Brown; several very special and devoted nieces and nephews that he dearly loved including Cheryl (who was like a daughter) and her husband, Abdullah Rahman, who both called him Uncle, and were devoted to the care and well-being during his illness and were both by his side when he passed; Edward Vannard Valentine, Sr., Edward Valentine, Jr., who called William Uncle Chief, Jarmaine Brown, Terri Hartley, Sherri Aponte, Tramaine Brown, Sherita Valentine, known as Williams Rita Pie, and Jamie Brown; one Godchild affectionately called Gracie; and a devoted friend to Williams sons, Kyle Wright. Service on Thursday, October 3rd at 12:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. Public viewing at Graham Funeral Home on Wednesday 9:00AM to 6:00PM and Thursday at the church 9:30 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Philo-Hill Magnet Academy, 410 Haverhill Street, W-S, NC 27127. Condolences may be sent to Graham Funeral Home, 635 Wilkesboro Street, Mocksville, NC, 27028; To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Edward Peay please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Piedmont Memorial Gardens 3663 Piedmont Memorial Drive Winston-Salem, NC, 27107 Visitation OCT 3. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT) Piney Grove Baptist Church 4715 Indiana Ave Winston-Salem, NC, 27106 Service OCT 3 (EDT) Piney Grove Baptist Church 4715 Indiana Ave Winston-Salem, NC, 27106