William Lionel Currence

William Lionel Currence transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, April 12, 2025. “Bill” was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, February 2, 1941, to the late Herman Matthew Currence Sr. and Sadie Hairston.

Bill attended public school in Charlotte’s Biddleville community, graduating with honors from West Charlotte High School in 1959. Those honors rewarded him with scholarships to further his education. He was accepted at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro where he chose a 5-year program in Electronic Engineering. He learned at an early age that great achievements came from maintaining an ethic of working hard. And that he did. He held three jobs, not only to supplement his scholarship funds but also to help his parents while he was away. Disciplined in his studies, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in just 4 years.

Bill participated in the Air Force ROTC program in both high school and college. Upon receiving his Degree, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force where he served 2 years at the National Security Administration (NSA) in Fort Meade, Maryland. He ended his military service, honorably discharged, as a Captain.

Moving to Florida in the late 60’s, Bill worked for the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) at the John F. Kennedy Space Center. He was among many engineers who facilitated the first moon landing in 1967. In the early 70’s, with the advent of modern digitization, Bill relocated to Maryland to work for the U.S. Postal Service Research Lab where he plied his engineering skills to help develop the 9-digit zip code. He finished his illustrious career with the Department of the Navy as Supervisor of the Trident Missile Program for Great Britain.

It was during his time with the Postal Service that he met Candace Bynum Evans who would become his devoted wife of almost 45 years. In this union, they welcomed three sons: James Alan Evans and Stephen Emmanuel and William Matthew Currence. A quiet man, and not one to boast of his accomplishments or positions, he had one of which he was most proud—being “Dad.” Spending time with his sons was his greatest joy, whether haggling over football and basketball or showing them that he was the Scrabble “king.” He also enjoyed outdoor activities—jogging, tennis, as well as lawn care and gardening. He was the unsung chef and could make a mean NC barbecue!

Remaining here to hold true precious memories and carry on Bill’s legacy are his wife, Candace; his two sons, Stephen and Matthew, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His stepson, James Alan Evans, and older brother, Herman Matthew Currence Jr. preceded him in passing.

He has fought the good fight of faith, and finished his course, laying hold on eternal life. Bill is cradled in the Lord’s loving arms. We will truly miss him but will see him again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warriors Project.