WILMINGTON — William “Bill” Edward Weir II joined his Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 18, surrounded by the love of his family.
Bill was born on September 16, 1950, in Beckley, West Virginia, to Betty and William Weir. Bill’s family moved to North Carolina and in 1968 he graduated from Grifton High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and carried cherished memories of “The Grifton Gang” throughout his life.
Bill began his career with DuPont in 1972, where he dedicated 32 years of service as a chemical operator. During that time, he also became a certified firefighter and EMT, quietly and selflessly helping to save the lives of others; an enduring reflection of his character.
Bill met the love of his life, Elizabeth, at Red Dogs, a local watering hole in Wrightsville Beach. Their connection was undeniably love at first sight. Just five months later, on April 12, 1980, they were married. Two years after saying “I do,” they welcomed their son to the family. A decade later, their daughter arrived, surprising everyone. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.
As a father, Bill was devoted and present. He served as a Boy Scout leader during his son’s younger years, and later became a proud and enthusiastic “Cheer Dad” for his daughter. His greatest joy came as a grandfather, faithfully showing up to support Lilly and Belle at their dance recitals—always beaming with pride and ready with bouquets.
Bill found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved old Westerns, especially those featuring “The Duke,” cheering on Tar Heel basketball or the Packers, reading the Out of the Ashes series, and spending time with his beloved dog, Zoey. He never passed up Paul’s Place (hotdog with extra relish, onions, salt and pepper) and was rarely without a Canada Dry ginger ale in hand.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Elizabeth Baumann Weir; his son, William Edward Weir III; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Schreyer Weir; his cherished grandchildren, Lillian Blair Weir and Belle Roselynn Weir; his daughter, Virginia Weir Bogumill, and his son-in-law, Joseph Roberts Bogumill. He is also survived by his brother, Stuart Weir, and sister-in-law, Emily Weir; his sister, Susan Hayward, and brother-in-law, Rick Hayward; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
A celebration of life with family and friends will be held on Bill’s favorite holiday, July 4th.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Bill’s memory to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
