William LeRoy Churn

A North Carolina native son, Bill Churn, died on January 1, 2015 at Duke University Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Wilson, NC on October 11, 1933 to Pearl and Clifton Churn. The family moved to Raleigh in 1937 where Bill grew up attending Hayes Barton (Myrtle Underwood) School and Broughton High School. He often told colorful stories of growing up in Five Points and riding his “24” bicycle” all over town.

Bill was an athlete, and swimming was the sport in which he truly excelled. He began swimming at an early age at Hayes Barton Pool. He later was a member of the Broughton High School swim team, and continued swimming at what was then NC State College where he was coached by his friend and mentor Willis Casey. In 1953, he was recognized as a collegiate All-American swimmer and helped the NC State swim team win the Southern Conference Championship.

In 1954, Bill enlisted in the US Army and served his country in the Korean War. Upon his return, Bill enrolled at East Carolina University where he met his wife of 58 years, and the love of his life, Peggy Barfield. The couple moved to Washington, NC while Bill finished school and Peggy began her teaching career. They moved to Raleigh in 1957 where they raised their three children, Margaret, Lee, and David in a busy household filled with laughter and friends.

Bill had a long career in sales and marketing, working for several large companies as well as for himself. After Bill retired, he and Peggy moved to Seattle, Washington where Peggy continued her career in education. It was there that Bill became active as a member of the Everette Lions Club where he ultimately served as president for two years. When they returned to Raleigh in 2001, he continued his membership in the Raleigh Host Lions Club and again served as president. He was humbled and proud that in both Everette and Raleigh he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated humanitarian service, the highest honor bestowed on a member of the Lions. He also served as a board member of the Raleigh Sports Club, was active in the Olde Raleigh Boys Club, enjoyed membership in Club XVII, and attended reunions of the Raleigh Jaycees. He was a lifelong member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church where he taught high school Sunday school classes for many years, served as a Deacon, Elder, and was recently named honorary Elder.

Bill and Peggy loved to travel and did so extensively together and with friends. A highlight of their travel years was when they took all of their children to France for what became the trip of a lifetime and fodder for many subsequent “story-tellings”.

Throughout his very full life he received his greatest joys as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. With his family and many friends, Bill enjoyed telling stories, talking through big ideas, playing golf, listening to music, holiday gatherings, NCSU sports, and laughing. He especially loved spending time with each of his grandchildren and appreciated their individual personalities and interests. He had a knack for enjoying life...even the most regular of moments, which seemed to draw people to him. He never met a stranger, and had the ability to make all who knew him feel good about themselves. Bill’s gentle charm, big heart, creative mind, unique sense of humor, and optimism touched everyone who knew him, especially his family. They will miss him deeply, remember him dearly, and be forever grateful for his life.

Bill was predeceased by a sister, Gloria Churn Fentress and a brother, Cliff Churn.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Barfield Churn; daughter, Margaret Churn Henderson (Terry); sons, William LeRoy (Lee) Churn, Jr., and David Keith Churn (Sheila); six grandchildren (who knew him lovingly as “Pop”), Will and Katie Henderson, Gray Henderson, Wesley Churn, Alexandra Churn, and Lile Grey Churn; a great granddaughter, Caroline Genevieve Henderson; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A service and reception in celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 on Saturday, January 10 at 3:30pm. Donations in his memory may be made to Hillyer Memorial Christian Church Columbarium Fund or the charity of one’s choice.