William "Bill" Frederick Christy

Greensboro - William "Bill" Frederick Christy, 72 passed away peacefully Saturday December 6, 2012 at Wesley Long Hospital surrounded by family. A six year cancer survivor, it was his positive attitude toward life and his strong faith that carried him through the toughest of times.

Bill was born on August 7, 1940, the third child of the late James Edgar and Frances Coleman Christy in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Raised in Cambridge Springs, PA, the family moved to Greensboro in Bill’s sophomore year. He graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1958 and attended Guilford College. Bill started his long career in the floor covering business by driving a delivery truck, moved to warehouse management, then sales representative and finally owner. A workaholic, Bill was diligent in providing the best service to his flooring customers. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a keen wit and a sharp memory. He amazed his customers by his ability to figure a whole house measurement in his head.

An Avid sports enthusiast his whole life, Bill played basketball and wrestled in high school. He was an accomplished golfer having two holes in one in his career. Bill supervised gyms and fields for Greensboro Parks and Recreation. He also coached many traveling men’s slow-pitch teams and coached in the city league at Lewis Recreation in the 12U division, winning a city championship in 1970-1971. He also officiated college basketball games for many years.

The father of three daughters, Bill realized that the sports world was not as kind to females who had talent and desire to participate in sports. He initiated the Greensboro Emeralds Basketball Club in 1983 and affiliated with the Amateur Athletic Union. Bill took over as District Sports Director in North Carolina for Girls Basketball in 1990 and ended his tenure in 2006. As a member of the National AAU Girls Basketball Committee, Bill twice was honored with the Ruthie Webster Memorial Award for Outstanding Service by the National AAU Girls Basketball Committee. It was his suggestion that the committee add an event for “all-district” squads to compete in a National Championship. Many of the other District Sport Directors agreed and the AAU Junior Olympic Games Girls Basketball Championship was born. Bill’s “Team North Carolina” won four National Championships in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2006.

Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jean Christy; daughter Sondra Wilson, husband Rick and grandsons, Rede and Mark; daughter Donna Christy; daughter Diane Renfrow, husband Randy, granddaughter Christin Cratsley, husband David, great granddaughter Sara and great grandson Bradlee, and grandson Christopher. He is also survived by sisters Nancy Burdick of Cambridge Springs, PA, Sarah Daniel and husband John of Summerfield, and Kathy Stack and husband Calvin of Greensboro and sisters-in law Betty Christy of Winston Salem and Pansy Christy of Greensboro as well as many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and two great-great nephews.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 3:00 pm at First Friends Meeting, 2100 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27403. The family will receive friends afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Instead of flowers, donations are requested to be made to First Friends Meeting Outreach, 2100 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27403.

Hanes Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is assisting the Christy family. Online condolences may be made @ www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com