William J. McIlvaine

WEAVERVILLE—William J. McIlvaine, 89, of Weaverville passed away on August 26, 2013. He was born April 21, 1924, in Trenton, N.J., to the late Donald and Eleanor McIlvaine. Bill served with the 9th Air Force in Europe in 1944 and 1945 and graduated from the University of Pittsburg in 1949. He married Mary Frances Knight and had four children: Richard, Ellen, Robert and Becky. In 1991, Bill moved to Alexander, to live with his daughter Becky and grandson, Ramsey. He became an active participant in the Senior Dining Program at the Weaverville First Baptist Church. Camera always nearby, he took pictures of all the events and participants. He was also known to pull out his harmonica and provide musical entertainment. Bill was a member of Christ UMC. Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Marianne; his brother, Donald; his son, Robert; his wife, Mary Frances; and second wife, Margaret Dunckley. Surviving are his son, Richard and wife Joy; his daughter, Ellen Johnson and husband, Jim; his daughter, Rebecca, and sister-in-law, Carrie McIlvaine. He also has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his very special, dear friend, Ann Callaway. His service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 30, 2013, at Christ United Methodist Church, with Rev. Duane P. Corle officiating. His family would like to thank this community and his church for embracing and supporting Bill for all these years. He loved this community. In lieu of flowers, he requested either a memorial contribution to his church, Christ UMC, 81 Garrison Branch Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787, or to a charity of your choice. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Bill's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.