William Louis Sullivan entered this world on January 26, 1930. He entered the presence of his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 93, on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023.

William “Bill” Sullivan was born on January 26, 1930, in Charlotte, North Carolina. His mother, Banner Jane Sullivan, was a hospital switchboard operator, and his father, William Louis Sullivan Sr., was a small business owner.

Because his parents divorced when he was very young, Bill and his sister grew up in a single-mother household. His mother instilled in him a driving work ethic, which Bill relied on as he worked several jobs throughout his adolescent years, including at a steel mill. Through one of these jobs, he met his future wife.

At age 18, Bill was working as a soda jerk in his father’s drugstore, serving milkshakes and fountain drinks. One day, a beautiful girl named Edna Smith walked into the drugstore, immediately catching Bill’s eye. Bill invited Edna to share a coke and ice cream, and he knew she was the girl he wanted to marry. Before they got there, however, Jesus entered Bill’s life.

Although his mother always took him to church, Bill never truly committed his life to the LORD. That changed when Bill and Edna attended a small tent revival. After praying with Billy Graham’s mother, Edna affirmed her commitment and Bill trusted Jesus with his whole heart. Renewed by the Holy Spirit, the two were baptized together and proceeded to get married on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1950. Nothing would ever be as important to Bill as his faith and family.

About eight months into his marriage, Bill was deployed to Korea as part of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he built bridges for U.S. infantry and vehicles. After nearly two years of service, Bill returned home to build his family. The LORD blessed Bill with his first of two daughters, who he cared for while working a full-time job and attending night school.

Bill worked hard to support his family, working in various industries from dry-cleaning to automotive, before finally landing in his long-term career as a real estate broker. Through this profession, Bill showcased his care for others as he helped people find their first home, even if that meant taking a reduced commission—something he did often.

Bill enjoyed several hobbies, especially those he shared with his wife. Bill and Edna loved square dancing and watching both the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins). They were also avid volunteers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Armed Services Bowl Committee.

Bill also had a knack for all mechanical and electrical gadgets. No matter how broken something was, Bill could fix it. This knack developed into an affinity for amateur radio, through which Bill held conversations with people around the world and taught his grandson morse code. Even with the advent of the internet and iPhones, Bill always managed to stay current with technology.

But the most important part of Bill’s life was his faith. He faithfully served as a deacon in his church and also taught Sunday school with his wife. He consistently brought his family to church, week after week. Even in his later years when he was disabled, his faith never wavered. If Bill could not go to worship, he would worship from home. He loved Southern Gospel music, which he listened to and sang along with almost every day.

Even in his last year, as he sat by his wife’s bedside as she battled cancer, his faith remained strong. Today, we know he is in the presence of his Savior, reunited and worshipping in Heaven with his bride of 73 years and his family that has gone before.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Mae Sullivan; parents, William Louis Sullivan, Sr., and Banner Jane Sullivan; and sister, Joyce Wilson. He is survived by two daughters, Karen Slininger and husband, Mike, of North Carolina, and Debbie Dena and husband, David, of Texas. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Jon Manchester and wife, Ashley, Kimberly Kearney and husband, Joey, Kristi Harring and husband, Steve, Caleb Dena, Stephen Dena, and Matthew Dena, and numerous great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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