William Charles Baucom

William C. Baucom, 97, passed away Wednesday November 12, 2025, at home with hospice care surrounded by his family and caregivers. Bill was born in Monroe, Union County NC to William and Mary Baucom (nee Nixon) -- he a paint storeowner, and she a homemaker.

Upon graduation from Old Town High School in Winston Salem NC, Bill elected to further his education at Berea College in Berea Kentucky. After college, Bill joined the United States Navy in 1947 serving for four years onboard the USS John R. Pierce (DD-753) as a surface radar operator attaining the rank of Petty Officer. Upon completion of his military service, Bill moved to Pilot Mountain where he met his first wife, Sue Fulk. They married in 1955, and Bill joined the Fulk and Needham Lumber and Building Company where he served as co-owner until his retirement in 1995.

Fulk and Needham was responsible for the design and construction of many homes, businesses, and schools in Pilot Mountain and vicinity. During his retirement, Bill enjoyed riding the countryside and pointing out the buildings, houses, and structures that were his life’s work, acknowledging in a very modest way his contribution to the Town of Pilot Mountain and its success and growth. Indeed, he cherished the relationships of those he met while conducting business and close friendships developed that endured his whole life.

Bill and Sue spent many happy and fulfilling years together, raising their daughter Karen in their beloved Pilot Mountain. They shared a life of deep love that endured through Sue’s health challenges with Bill, always by her side.

Sadly, in 1983, Sue passed away from an extended illness. In 1985, Bill married Jean Wilson to whom he remained married until her death in 2016. Bill and Jean were both active members of The First Baptist Church where they both participated in choral activities for many years. The First Baptist Church provided countless friends and years of fellowship bringing spiritual fulfillment and happiness. Again, Bill rose to the challenge of caring for a sick spouse and he diligently cared for Jean as she navigated her own health challenges, never wavering and steadfast no matter how hard or difficult. A man of quiet and constant faith, Bill epitomized Matthew 7:20, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them".

Bill loved Pilot Mountain and his custom-built home where he lived for 53 years. He spent his retirement years travelling with Jean, bird watching, bird carving, and bird feeding. Bill’s great love of nature compelled him to spend many hours outside enjoying the sights and sounds up until his passing. Through serendipity, a cat came to reside with Bill and he and “Jet” became close companions he was always observing to make sure Bill was well taken care of through thick and thin. Ironically, Jet was physically identical to a cat Bill and family had decades ago and only appeared relatively lately. The family cannot help but think this “angel” was sent to comfort Bill as his mobility decreased and his needs increased.

Jean’s two children, Gene and Cathy and their children brought much joy to Bill and Jean as they shared their lives together. Bill was a resident of Pilot Mountain for 71 years.

He is survived by his daughter Karen Johnson and husband David, stepchildren Gene Wilson and wife Karen, and Cathy Johnson, two grandsons and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his wives and parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, Mary, and his brothers Dale and Donald.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 3:00 PM at Moody Funeral Services Chapel in Mount Airy with Rev. Gene Sherrill and Rev. Drew Southern officiating. A private interment will be held at Pilot Mountain City Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 2:00 until 3:00 PM prior to the service.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Bill’s caregivers Alledia, Linda, Shirley, Maudie, and Sandy all of whom enabled him to remain in his home until God called him home. The family would also like to thank the many nurses, CNA’s and employees of Mountain Valley Hospice that also assisted Bill during his hospice care. In addition, the family asks that donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy is serving the Baucom family.