Bill G. Baxter

Bill G. Baxter, born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Rowena Chappell and William Thomas Baxter, passed away peacefully in his home on November 23, 2024, in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by his family and friends.

Bill dedicated 40 years to non-profit executive management before embarking on a new chapter as the owner of a successful wine import business. Bill’s passion for wine was rivalled only by his love for football and golf. As a former college football player, he continued his love of the sport by following the Dallas Cowboys and the Oklahoma Sooners, teams he cheered for enthusiastically throughout his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his son Gregory (Debbie), brother Warner, and sister Anita. He is survived by his loving wife, Mari, and his sons: Robert (Sandy), Andrew (Lauren), Brady (Sarah), and Erik (Cherry). He was a cherished grandfather to Cody, Cagni, Hunter, Brandon, Clare, Dallas, Elle, Hannah, Wyatt, Aspen, Charlotte, Finley, and Lainey, and a proud great-grandfather to Talon. Bill also leaves behind his brothers, Jim and Allen, sisters, Donna and Jade, his brother-in-law Paolo Scalici, (Alice) and close friends Francine and Mark Roche and Joan and Tom Tozzini.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered as a man of kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all of the caregivers and Gentiva Hospice for the exemplary care they provided Bill.

A celebration of Bill’s remarkable life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bill's memory to Rock Steady Boxing to fight Parkinsons or The Wingman Foundation. Links for those organizations can be found below:

· https://rocksteadyboxing.org/

· https://www.wingmanfoundation.org/

“I intend to die and go to heaven where vineyards are plenty

amongst the blue sky and wine flows from the lips of angels.”

Ernest Hemingway