William Henry Thaxton

William Henry “Bill” Thaxton, 70, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022 after a brave battle with ALS. He was at his home in Monroe, NC surrounded by his loving family. Bill is the son of the late Calvin Lamar Thaxton, Sr. and Katherine Douglass Thaxton of Pageland, SC. He is preceded in death by his brother, James Thaxton. Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice Tucker Thaxton, daughters; Jeslyn McFadden (Michael), Molly Davis (Joseph), brother, Calvin Thaxton, Jr. and three grandchildren; Milyn McFadden, Hadley and Mabel Davis.

Bill would light up any room with his bright demeanor and brilliant smile. He grew up in Pageland, SC where, in youth, he found his passion playing sports. If Bill was not on the field or on the court, you’d find him in the pew of Pageland Presbyterian Church with his love of God displayed proudly on the pins he got for perfect Sunday School attendance.

In 8th grade he met Janice Tucker and knew he had, and often said, ‘a keeper.’ After college, Bill and Janice married and set roots in Monroe, NC. Following in his father‘s footsteps selling insurance, he opened Thaxton Insurance Agency in historic downtown.

Bill was a goal-setter. When he set his mind to something he achieved it. He achieved uncountable goals in his lifetime from biking to the beach, competing in a marathon and multiple triathlons, never using a golf cart, choosing instead to walk the entirety of many three-day golf tournaments, or even the seemingly small sunrise walks on the beach hunting for the perfect seashells to give his granddaughters. Whatever it was, Bill did it smiling, and knowing he was always getting his steps in. You could spot Bill walking his neighborhood, innumerable concert venues, and golf courses, giving fist bumps and words of encouragement along the way.

Bill was truly God’s servant. He adored public service as a First Presbyterian Church deacon, Kiwanis Club member, community shelter volunteer, church landscaper, or fundraiser selling his re-rooted heirloom hibiscus plants. Bill’s presence was communal and lifelong. He loved people. Most of all he loved offering excellent customer service to his clients, especially the golf that came along with keeping them happy.

Not only could he sink a hole-in-one, but he was a one-of-a-kind, fun, life-loving man. To those that knew him he was known for any number of wonderful quirks. Some being: his penchant for soft T-shirts, live music, painting his yard, an ambassador for Pageland (SC) tomatoes, distributor of peaches and blueberries, showing up to preschool or homes of shut-ins wearing a rainbow clown wig, calling church members on their birthdays, and of course his homemade pimento cheese.

However, you knew him, you knew he had a zeal and lust for life that was infectious. All that knew him were blessed by his kind gestures and disarming smile. He loved his wife and found true fulfillment being a dad. He loved his two daughters. He loved watching them grow into mothers themselves, finding his purest joy spending time with his granddaughters. To quote him “it’s all about family”, and that family extended into the community he faithfully served and all the lives he touched along the journey.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:30PM, Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church, 302 E. Windsor Street Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Monroe and Union County Community Shelter.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Thaxton Family.