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Obituary For William Massengale
William Fitzhugh Williams Massengale, known to those who loved him as Bill or Willie, died December 31st 2022 at the age of 73 from heart disease. Born in Texas, Bill moved to Chapel Hill at the age of two where he was raised, and later returned to raise his own family.
Preceded in death by his father Robert Massengale, mother Rosalie Massengale and older brother Bob Massengale; Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years Sally McLaughlin Massengale, his sons Bob, Johnny and Billy, his daughters-in-law Lily Barberich, Ashley Massengale, Ginny Kirk Andrews, granddaughter Campbell and older brother Tom Massengale.
Bill was an engaged Chapel Hillian, growing up at 7 Cobb Terrace, following the early death of his father in Texas. Bill attended Christ School in Arden, NC where he excelled, and earned a scholarship to Williams College in Massachusetts. After delivering a graduation speech in his inimitable style, Bill sought out adventure, traveling across the country and the globe.
For five years Bill taught history at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, where he met the love of his life, Sally McLaughlin Massengale. He loved that she worked for 25 years at Glenwood Elementary, the school their beloved sons attended. After graduating from UNC Law School, he was hired as an Assistant District Attorney by his dear friend Wade Barber, Jr. Bill later worked in private practice with Barry Winston and Marilyn Ozer. Marilyn and Bill remained law partners until his retirement in 2022, focusing on criminal defense in support of folks from all walks of life. His work ranged from death penalty appellate work across the state, to local cases in Chapel Hill and Orange County. He had an abiding love of friends, family, the wider community, and his dog Ladybug. He met people where and as they were, and frequently left them feeling better for their meeting.
An informal commemoration to honor Bill will be held Sunday, January 8th, outdoors, at the Forest Theater in Chapel Hill at 2:00 pm. If you would like to, send an email with your favorite memories, photos or thoughts about Bill to rememberingbillmassengale@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Club Nova in Carrboro.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceDear Sally, Spence and I were so sorry to hear about Bill from the Currys. You and Bill were so generous to let us stay in your cozy Grassy Creek cottage when we ventured to ride the VA Creeper Trail one fall. I'll never forget how concerned Bill was when we went to his office to pick up the key because Chapel Hill had just experienced a fairly significant snowfall. He was worried we'd be too cold up there! Instead we will never forget that wonderful snowy weekend.
Bill came to our rescue when Spence and I both got a traffic ticket for running a stop sign on our bicycles. He was just like that, good natured and willing to help out. He gave us some advice and sent us off so well prepared that when we hit the "mumble line" at the court house we both got off and I was even praised for my clean driving record! Bill will be missed by many.
Thank you, Sally for all your energy expanding and teaching in the Glenwood Science Lab which benefitted our two kids and probably helped influence both of them to major in environmental science.
If our love can make this time any easier for you and your boys, Spence and I send it wholeheartedly.
Sally my wonderful artist friend and inspirstiin from Newman. 9 AM MASS While I did not know Bill personally however several close friends worked with and recounted many stories of his supporting so many people who had few in their life to help them
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