William North

William Lester “Bill” North Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Emerald Isle on June 5, 2026, just days shy of his 77th birthday.

Born on June 7, 1949, to Mae Belle Barrow North and William Lester North Sr., Bill lived a life defined by devotion to family and hard work. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his son, Griffin; his daughter, Katie; his sisters, Rebekah and Elizabeth; and his four cherished granddaughters, Abigail (18), Elaina (14), Susie (11), and Luci (10).

Bill graduated from Northwest Guilford High School and later earned a degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After serving 6 years in the National Guard as an MP & Forward Observer, he began his career with Burlington Industries. He worked there as a Personnel Executive for the next 15 years before joining North Decorating Studios, his family’s interior design firm.

Bill never met a stranger and was always ready with a story, an opinion, or a proud update about his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen just how remarkable they were.

Bill loved dancing—whether it was ballroom or the shag—and as anyone who watched him on the dance floor can attest, the man had rhythm. He was a fierce pickleball competitor, a dedicated YMCA regular, and an enthusiastic traveler, especially when Europe was involved.

At Emerald Isle, Bill was in his element. He played bocce with friends, rode the waves, and delighted in spending time with his granddaughters in the surf. While cooking was not necessarily his favorite pastime, he achieved legendary status among family and friends for his grilled pork tenderloin. His granddaughters affectionately called it “Pop’s Pork” and it became one of the many traditions that made time with him so special.

Above all, Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a man of tremendous strength, a larger-than-life personality, and an extraordinary work ethic; there was nothing he couldn’t do.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the countless memories, lessons, and love he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as our “Pop”.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Methodist Church, 2425 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Backpack Friends, where Bill volunteered and loved their mission. https://www.backpackfriends.org/

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.