WILMINGTON — William Oliver Johnson Lynch “Bill”, of Wilmington, passed away February 17, 2025 at the age of 79.
Bill was a native North Carolinian, born in Raleigh to Oris Hudson Lynch and Lois Johnson Lynch. He soon became a lifelong resident of Brunswick and New Hanover Counties.
Bill spent most of his youth in Southport, where he grew into an avid outdoorsman.
He learned to appreciate the environment while hunting and fishing our beautiful and bountiful area. Bill especially loved Hyde County where he and his brother Joe purchased and refurbished an older house. Bill had a close relationship with his sons, Will and Allan through teaching them of the outdoors and the quality and value of traditional sportsmanship on land and water.
Bill was a traveler interested in other countries especially Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. Bill enjoyed these trips with brothers, Joe and Randy and other close friends. Recently, he and Jennifer spent some time in Nova Scotia.
Bill was a talented craftsman who designed and built many pieces of fine furniture for his homes along with fireplace mantles, bookshelves and cabinets. Bill’s interest in woodwork was greatly influenced by his mentor, Cyrus Hogue. Bill also designed and built many of the homes in which he lived. He was especially proud of a boat he built.
Staying close to his roots and the land in which he became a man, Bill graduated from Wilmington College before earning a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University. On the way, he served proudly in the United States Army Reserves for six years.
Upon graduation Bill became a practicing Attorney and after a few years became a partner in the Hogue Hill law firm. He practiced for more than fifty years in business and development law with a particular focus on water supply development, preservation and management.
He served actively on community boards and foundations for more than four decades, notably the Cornelia Nixon Davis Nursing Home, the Champion McDowell Davis Charitable Foundation and the Babies Hospital Foundation. He was a former member of the Carolina Yacht Club, the Cape Fear Country Club and L’Ariso German Club.
Bill was a proud husband, father and community citizen. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Ezzell Lynch; two sons, William “Will” Oliver Johnson Lynch, Jr., of Atlantic Beach and Allan Taylor Lynch and wife Heather of Charlotte and three grandchildren.
Bill was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Jocelyn Strange Lynch and a sister, Diane Lynch Fowler. In addition to his immediate family, Bill was survived by older brothers, Darrow Ransdell “Randy” Johnson of California, Dr. Joseph E. Johnson of Greensboro; sisters, Patricia L. Johnson of Pittsboro and LaVinnia P. Johnson of Apex, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Mary Ann, Angela and Beth who have been exceptionally caring and supportive caretakers for Bill and Jennifer. Hospice was of great service to Bill and the family.
Memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401 and St. Andrews On-the-Sound Episcopal Church.
Rise up early while dark the sky,
Pull on long johns and waders high.
Put out decoys, climb into blind,
Faithful retriever will not whine.
Load your shotgun, it’s about time,
For the ducks to begin to climb.
Here they come through ready or not.
Just an instant for your best shot.
How quickly they have come and flown;
Fellowship and friendships have grown.
Now a “wee dram” for me and you,
Before coffee and breakfast too.
Til next hunt this will have to do.
Paul S. Grinsley, 4-26-2024
