WILMINGTON — William M. “Bill” French Jr., 91, died Friday, May 18, 2018. He was born Aug. 8, 1926, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Bill attended Bowling Green High School and later attended business school. He was a World War II veteran, having served as a combat engineer in Germany. After exiting the service, he owned Southern Fence in Bowling Green. Bill enjoyed the simple pleasantries of life, walks by the river, watching bluebirds and chocolate milk.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Nona French; father, William M. French Sr.; brother, Robert French; grandson, Billy Peters; stepson, Michael Griffin; and infant stepson, Patrick Griffin.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret Baldwin French of Wilmington; daughter, Cheryl Duncan (Steve) of Greenville; granddaughter, Daphne Wiles (Benjamin) of Anderson, South Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Ellie (4) and Duncan (2) of Anderson, South Carolina; stepdaughter, Barbara Colton (Doug); step-grandchildren, Colt, Shaun (Kelly), Nicole (V.J.), Natalie (Steven), Patrick, Tammy (Howard) and Misty (Bill); and step-great-grandchildren, Brooke, Shaun Michael, Leo, James, Vivian, McKenzie, Tyler, Alexander, Chase and Kalynn.
The family is grateful for the loving care provided by Trinity Grove in Wilmington.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 26, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 612 South College Road, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to the American Heart Association or the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 612 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
