William Craven Trussell

July 24, 1940 – February 17, 2026

William “Bill” Craven Trussell of Wilmington, North Carolina, went home to the Lord on February 17, 2026.

Born on July 24, 1940, in Charles Town, WV to Claude R. and Naomi K. Trussell, “Craven,” as he was lovingly nicknamed in his youth, spent his early years surrounded by cousins and grandparents in Roanoke and Luray, Virginia. He cherished the natural beauty of those places and formed a lifelong friendship with Ron Pollard, whom he met at the age of two. That friendship endured throughout his life.

Bill earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was well loved by his high school friends at Jefferson High School, where he served as Drum Major his senior year. He enjoyed competing in dance contests, working a variety of jobs—including assisting individuals with disabilities—and serving as a tour guide at Luray Caverns. Those early experiences reflected the qualities that defined his life: service, leadership, and a genuine love of people.

After a brief early marriage, Bill joined the United States Army. He later met Ann McKinney, whom he loved deeply and married. They shared 45 devoted years together until her untimely passing in 2008. They were blessed with two daughters, Catherine Sue Trussell and Stephanie T. White. Their family life was rich with tradition—especially Christmas celebrations—and treasured vacations to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where they lived from 1973 to 1976.

Bill built a distinguished 40-year career with Graybar Electric. He began by stocking shelves at the Roanoke branch and steadily rose through the ranks to become National Marketing Manager at Graybar’s headquarters in Clayton, Missouri. Known for his integrity, dedication, and technical knowledge, he earned the respect of colleagues and customers across the country. He worked closely with companies such as Hubbell, Lithonia, and GE, helping to develop and promote lighting technology, and contributed articles to Graybar’s company magazine, The Outlook. He formed lasting friendships during those years, including a special bond with Ben and Elaine Wall, whose Southern roots mirrored his own.

After four decades of service, Bill and Ann retired and returned to Wilmington, North Carolina place they had long loved. Retirement meant time with dear friends, including Bill and Kay Rose, Billy and Linda Bridges, and Gerald and Marlene Bailey.

In 2009, Bill married Nancy (Russ) Trussell of Wilmington and began a new and joyful chapter. He embraced Nancy’s sons, Scott and Michael Russ, as his own. Scott and his wife Meghan are the proud parents of Jackson, Campbell, and Hannah. Michael and his wife Megan are expecting their first child in April grandchild Bill eagerly anticipated.

Bill’s daughters, Catherine Sue Trussell and Stephanie T. White and her husband James White, adored him and were deeply proud not only of his professional accomplishments but of his steadfast loyalty and devotion to family. He was a man who encouraged others, offered thoughtful advice, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He loved nature, music, meaningful conversation, dogs, and above all, time spent with his children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren and extended family: Rachel Bartlesmeyer and her husband Alex Bartlesmeyer, their daughters Olivia and Ellery; Rebekah White and her fiancé John Hanni; Elizabeth White; John Paul White; and Theresa White. He spoke of them often and was proud of each of them.

Bill will be remembered for his steady faith, his kindness, and the quiet loyalty that shaped every relationship in his life. He loved deeply, showed up consistently, and took genuine joy in the people around him. His presence brought comfort, encouragement, and laughter, and he leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the family and friends who were blessed to know him.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00pm on Friday March 13, 2026 at Oleander Memorial Garden, 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.coblegreenlawn.com