William “Bill” Ernest Steagall, Jr. ’49

William “Bill” Ernest Steagall, Jr. ’49, of Morven, N.C., died Jan. 23 at Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte after an extended illness. Steagall was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Anson County, N.C., a son of the late William Ernest and Myrtle Holt Steagall. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Jane Plyler Steagall, 401 Morven Rd., Apt. A, Wadesboro, NC 28170; his daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Steagall Christenbury (David L. Christenbury); his son, William E. Steagall III (Susan Chewning Steagall); his grandson, William “Wes” E. Steagall IV (Stephanie Ann Steagall); and his great-granddaughter, Catherine “Catie” Grace Steagall. His granddaughter, Catherine Elizabeth Covington, preceded him in death in 2005. Also surviving are his sister, Celeste Steagall Wall; his brothers, Reggie Stoker (Jo) and Jim Plyler (Alice); and his nieces, nephews, and their families. A man of great faith with a wonderful devotion to family and community, he was a lifelong member of Morven Presbyterian Church, serving as elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. He was a retired member of the Morven Volunteer Fire Department, and a director of both the First National Bank of Anson County and the Anson County Hospital. He also served on the Morven School Board and later on the Anson County Board of Education. Steagall received his bachelor’s degree in business from Davidson. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned home to Morven to work with his father on the farm and in the family business, Steagall Oil Company, until his retirement.