STATESVILLE- On a cold day in December 1966, William Paul McAlpin was called into the United States Army for service to his country. He went to boot camp at Fort Gordon, Georgia where he became lifelong friends with Clay Lunsford. Bill was next assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas and later to Vietnam. In November of 2017, Bill was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It was determined that Bill’s ALS was a result of his being exposed to agent orange while serving in Vietnam. Despite this devastating diagnosis, Bill was very proud of his service to his country. His loyalty never wavered even as his body became weaker from the effects of this horrid disease. On a cold day in January (January 18, 2018), Bill was called to his heavenly home by our Lord and Savior.
After returning from Vietnam, Bill married his lifelong love, Jan. Together they completed educations, built homes, and were richly blessed with two great children, Jennifer and Matthew. Bill began a career at Kewaunee Scientific. He loved working for Kewaunee and made many lasting friendships. One outstanding man at Kewaunee, Mack Oliver,made a great impression on Bill and served as a mentor to him. Bill loved working for Kewaunee so much that he stayed 27 years. He retired as chief of project management. He was known to go to work early and stay late. Many people said “If you want to know anything about Kewaunee,ask Bill McAlpin”.He traveled extensively while working for Kewaunee and only left to start his own business, McAlpin Landscaping, Inc.
Bill enjoyed his business immensely and ran it successfully for 20+years. Bill enjoyed being outside and loved everything John Deere. His business took care of grounds and maintenance for his church, Western Avenue Baptist Church for 20+ years. Bill loved the staff of the church. Philip McGaha became a special friend. He continued to be active in his business until his health no longer allowed.
Bill was very dedicated to the fire service. He was a charter member of Ebenezer Volunteer Fire Department. He was named Fireman of the year along with many other honors. He was named fire chief at Ebenezer and served on the board of directors. Bill retired from Ebenezer after 26 years of faithful service to his community. Bill met his best friend, Ted Armstrong, at the fire department. They were friends until Ted’s death. Chuck Gallyon was also a great friend to Bill.
Bill was the son of Rev. Paul McAlpin and Mamie Arney McAlpin. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and six sisters. Jan’s parents, Worth and Nell Sharpe also preceded him.
Bill was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved his family with all his heart. Bill is survived by his wife, Jan; his daughter Jennifer and husband Jim; his grandson and namesake William James, born on January 11, 2018; his son Matthew and fiancée Karyn and a special little girl, Haidyn. Ronnie Everidge, a Vietnam veteran was a very special friend to him. Special recognition must be given to Layla Ruth, a long haired dachshund who was his constant companion.
Bill was a member of Western Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation will be at the church Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm. His celebration of life service will be on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Western Avenue Baptist Church at 2:00 with Dr. Jeff Spry officiating. Bill and Jan and their family attended Hebron Baptist Church for many years. He will be buried at Hebron cemetery. He will be honored with full military and fire service honors. To God be the glory.
Donations may be made in honor of Bill to the ALS Association or to Western Avenue Baptist Church.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the McAlpin Family.
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