WILMINGTON — William Harold Eubanks passed away on December 26, 2024, following a brief illness. He was born on October 28, 1947, in Holly Ridge, NC, to the late Rodolph Eubanks and Ruby Frances Hobbs Eubanks, and was a long-time resident of Wilmington, NC.
William was vacationing with friends in Belmont, NC at the time of his death, and in what were to be his final hours, he enjoyed a good meal and entertaining those around him with his ever-present wit and humor.
A native of Onslow County, William graduated from Dixon High School in 1966 and went on to attend Mount Olive Junior College in Mount Olive, NC, and Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, NC. In 1969, he returned to his roots and began his career in education, teaching at Dixon Elementary School for five years.
In 1977, William entered the plumbing trade and a few years later met the love of his life at a plumbing supply house. In 1986, after nearly a decade as a plumber, he was hired by the New Hanover County Building Inspection Department where he served as a plumbing inspector, Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector, Chief Plumbing Inspector, retiring as the Chief Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector in 2015.
In May 2008, William was appointed by Governor Beverly Perdue to serve on the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. He continued in this role after being reappointed by Governor Roy Cooper in 2017 and again in 2022. During his Board tenure, he held several leadership positions, including Secretary/Treasurer, Vice Chairman, and Chairman, and served on the Board’s Resolution Review Committee for over eight years.
His beloved wife of 44 years, Judy, preceded him in death three months earlier following a brief illness. In retirement, they spent much of their time enjoying peaceful moments on their picturesque front porch in Wilmington’s Historic District. William, affectionately known as the “unofficial mayor” of 4th St., always greeted everyone passing by, and their porch became a gathering place for friends, both new and old. They also shared a love and appreciation for antiques and art, frequenting flea markets, antique shops, and estate sales in Wilmington and across North Carolina in search of treasures.
He is survived by his niece, Sarah Dempsey Dawson and Christopher Dawson and grand-nephew, Christopher Tristram “Kit” Dawson of Raleigh, NC; his nephew, James “Jamie” Dempsey Jr. and Patty Whitaker of Wilmington, NC; his sister-in-law Jacquelin Braddy Dempsey of Wilmington, NC; as well as his adopted family: Dale and Tina Dawson of Wake Forest, NC; Jarred Dawson and his daughter, Isabel Dawson, of Hendersonville, NC; and Susan and Bob Jalbert of Leland, NC.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Lung Association, by mail at American Lung Association National Direct Response Headquarters, PO Box 756 Osceola WI 54020-0756; by phone at 1-800-LUNGUSA or by visiting www.lung.org.
Please leave condolences for the family here.
