WILMINGTON — “Mr. Bill,” as he was known to all, was one of the most compassionate and loved men you could ever meet. He never knew a stranger. Bill was born in Danforth, Maine, and raised mostly in and around the Gordon, Texas, area.
He leaves behind his companion of 42 years, Linda Coite of the home, and daughter, Eileen Coite, of Clinton, N.C. (Bundy Plyler of Lancaster, S.C.); sisters, Rebecca Krampetz (Don) and Julia Ann Pierce, both of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Bill is best known for hanging out at Circle K Stables, and had the nickname of “The Cookie Monster” at Walmart- Monkey Junction. We must all remember him for his love for animals, especially horses.
Bill always opened his heart to all and was never was afraid to lift a helping hand.
Bill served in the U.S. Army for over 16 years with three tours in Vietnam. Shortly after moving to Wilmington in 1975, he drove trucks for both Parmenter and Kenan Transport until 1992. He fought through diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart conditions, and most recently, myelodysplasia – leukemia.
Bill and Linda traveled the world together, especially with their buddies, Bob and Marilyn McKoy, and Eileen, who also joined in on many travels.
Many thanks to the staff at NHRMG, Myrtle Grove; his doctors, Neill Musselwhite, Susan Torres, and most recently, GiGi MacDonald, Matt Slessman and Kevin Adgent; the entire staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice, who assisted so compassionately these last two weeks; the whole medical staff at NHRMG and other medical facilities have been nothing less than caring and compassionate over the years and many of his medical conditions have helped them learn more to assist others.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. The family will see friends following the service with a reception.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be made in his name to the American Quarter Horse Foundation, P.O. Box 32111, Amarillo, TX 79120 (806-372-1192); or Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
