William "Bill" T. Tomlinson

William "Bill" Thomas Tomlinson, 86 of Fuquay-Varina, passed on May 5, 2023, after a short illness.

Bill was born on February 14, 1937 to Josh and Ida Ruth Tomlinson in Goldsboro, NC. After graduating from Goldsboro High School in 1955 he went on to study at East Carolina University.

Bill moved to Raleigh and took a job in the toy department of Hudson Belk, where he met the love of his life, Jean Wade Tomlinson. Their loving marriage lasted 63 years. They had two children Thom and KT.

Bill proudly worked for over 29 years at the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. His work there resulted in him receiving The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2003. Through his work he met, and formed friendships, with people all over North Carolina.

Bill actively participated in his community serving as a past member of Fuquay-Varina Planning Board and actively supporting neighbors and neighborhood initiatives. Bill was a dedicated member of Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church. His service extended to the global community when he did mission work in Belarus. His work was central to bringing children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to the US for medical treatment not available in Belarus. He actively participated in the Baptist Disaster Relief efforts during times of disaster.

Bill loved sports. He officiated high school and college basketball for over 30 years and refereed high school football for over 20 years. He officiated little league games where he acted more as a teacher than an official. He organized and led the sideline crews for NC State Football games for over 20 years. He loved the Pack and Pack Football. Bill was an outstanding softball coach, leading the Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church’s men’s team to wins in many local tournaments and ultimately winning the 1995 NC State Championship.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Jean. He is survived by Thom, wife Diane, grandson Taylor, KT and husband Scott Waterhouse, brothers Bobby Tomlinson and John Tomlinson, and his loyal Scottish Terrier Katie.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Second Chance Pet Adoption in honor of Bill’s love of dogs and cats. There will be a visitation with the family on Wednesday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. The service will be held at Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church, Fuquay-Varina.

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