William Luther Cuthbertson III

William Luther Cuthbertson III (Bill), 83, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Novant Matthews Medical Center. Bill was born on January 25, 1943, at Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte, the son of the late William Luther Cuthbertson, Jr, and the late Ada Glennis Mayes, brother of the late Rosalyn Scruggs and Richard Cuthbertson, and uncle of the late Scott Smith.

Upon his high school graduation from East Meck, Bill served his country for four years in the US Air Force and two years with the Air Force Reserves. On his return home, he entered CPCC and went to work for the City of Charlotte as a Fireman serving at several different firehouses. He moved on to work for the City of Charlotte in the Building Inspection Department as well as Community Development. He eventually became a contractor, spending many years in the building industry. One of the highlights of his building career was the building of a passive solar home in Weddington, NC (which he built with his wife) and where he lived out his life with her and their family.

Bill loved being outdoors. He grew up hunting, frog gigging, and fishing with his dad. His love for fishing not only lasted his lifetime but also included ownership of three different ocean worthy boats with his favorite fishing spot being deep-sea fishing at Hatteras on the Outer Banks. His dad raised their hunting dogs, which also helped to develop Bill’s deep love for dogs and his home was rarely without a dog! Bill’s dad was also instrumental in bringing Little League Baseball to the Hickory Grove area and Bill played for him which sparked his life-long love of baseball. He spent many, many years (as well as hours in a day) watching, as well as coaching, his two girls play sports (soccer, track, swimming, volleyball, basketball, softball) and then watching his grandchildren, whose sports, in addition to the above, included baseball and football.

Bill’s love for his family was only eclipsed by his love for Jesus. His walk with the Lord began in the early 70’s and continues even now with his journey in heaven. His walk with the Lord developed his solid character traits of steadfastness, being calm under pressure, and always putting others first. He was always grateful to have been able to share this walk with his family. In addition to his family, he had a wonderful church family, Resurrection Church, that he walked with, grew in his faith with, and served with over the last 48 years.

His legacy will be cherished by many but especially by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Carter Cuthbertson, and his two daughters, Salem C. Spoto (Tre) of Charlotte and Anna C. Firth (Nick) of York, SC, and the son of his heart, David Friedman (Maxine) of Sag Harbor, NY. Bill also had eleven “lights of his life” grandchildren: Michel, Alexa, Sammy, Joey, Ava, and Jacob Spoto; Salem, Matthew, and William Cuthbertson; Asher and Simone Friedman; and his precious Mini Goldendoodle dog, Maxi. He is also survived by 25 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.