William “Bill” Hiden McEachern III ’52

William “Bill” Hiden McEachern III ’52, of Wilmington, N.C., died June 1 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center after a brief illness. He was born in Wilmington, N.C., on April 27, 1929, the son of the late William H. and Katherine McEachern. McEachern graduated from Davidson and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After returning from the service, he married Norma Carpenter and worked for W.H. McEachern Sons, Inc., a wholesale fruit and produce company, until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of the Wilmington Rotary Club for 55 years, where he served in various capacities, including past president. McEachern was a former chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Elections and served in various capacities throughout the years and was active in local politics. He was one of the South’s top amateur showmen and horseback riders, won numerous championships on American Sun Dance, and received top honor by being recognized in the American Blue Book. McEachern continued to ride his horse “Dolly” until his recent illness. McEachern was the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Norma C. McEachern, 1506 Beasley Rd., Wilmington, NC 28409; three children, Hidy McEachern (Julia), Stuart McEachern, and Caroline “Missy” McEachern (Lou Pucillo); two grandchildren, Will McEachern V (Tiffany) and Drew McEachern; and one great-grandchild, Curran McEachern.