Mr. William "Bill" Foster French, Jr., 77, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. He was born in Robeson County, NC on February 2, 1946 to the late William F. French, Sr. and the late Doris McMillan French.

Bill graduated from Lumberton High School in 1964 and went on to attend Mars Hill College and Kings College in Charlotte, NC. Upon graduating from Kings College in 1968, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served until 1974, reaching rank of Staff Sergeant.

He was a Ham Radio Operator since high school, which ultimately led to his current position of Director of Lumberton Communications since 2017. Before then he served in several capacities including Assistant Director of Lumberton Communications, Safety Director for the City of Lumberton, Emergency Medical Telecommunicator for Robeson County Communications, member of Lumberton Amateur Radio Association, and Honorary Lifetime Member of Lumberton Rescue Unit. He held several certifications and his experience with communications allowed him the opportunity to serve as a part-time instructor for Robeson Community College teaching Medical Responder, CPR, and First Aid courses since 1993. His many certifications for 911 included: National Emergency Number Association, Emergency Dispatch Quality Assurance, Critical Incident Stress Management, and the completion of Center Manager Certification Program.

Aside from his many years of service to the City of Lumberton, he previously worked in the printing and office supply business for 30 years as Inside Office Manager for Herald Office Supplies and General Manager for Robeson Office Supplies.

As a member of Lumberton Rotary Club, he was especially proud of serving as President in 1976 and District Governor's Representative during the early 1980's. He was a 32 ^nd Degree Master Mason (Lodge #114). At Chestnut Street Methodist Church, he served on the Education Committee, several terms on the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Staff-Parrish Committee, and Lay Leader from 1993-1995. He was President of the Covenant Sunday School Class, member of the Finance Committee, CSMC choir, and Chestnut Street Methodist Men. In 2021, he was awarded Chestnut Street UMC Man of the Year 2021, as well.

The Boy Scouts Cape Fear Council was fortunate to have Bill as a dedicated troop leader. In 1985, Bill first registered with Troop 333. In the years following, he volunteered an innumerable amount and received many awards and accolades including: Cape Fear Council District Award of Merit (1991), Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor (1992), Life Member of Klahican Lodge 331 , Order of the Arrow (1992), Cape Fear Council Silver Beaver Award (1993), Order of the Arrow Founder's Award (1995), Wood Badge Staff several times, Wood Badge – with 2 beads, NOAC Delegation Advisor several times, and Staff for 1985 Showando , Staff for "Together Again" Council Camporee (1996). In addition to troop leader, he served as Order of the Arrow Chapter Advisor for 11 years and Section Advisor for 3 years, Chairman of the District Advancement Committee, Eagle Advancement Committee for 9 years, Camporee Chairman, Vice Chief of Facilities (Camp Bowers 25 ^th Anniversary Jamboree 2006), Co-Webelos Den Leader for 2 years (Pack 220 at Wrightsboro UMC in Wilmington, NC), and chaired Grandparents' Weekend Camporee from 2011-2012. He was Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 257 at Wrightsboro UMC in Wilmington, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sheila C. French of the home; his children: Clary French of Wilmington, NC and Brad French and wife Shannon of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his grandchildren: Tyler French, Noah French, Rawley Hudnall, and Decker Hudnall; his beloved sister, Mary French Crofton of Lumberton, NC; as well as Brenda Clary and husband Wayne of Florence, SC, and Melba Bridges and husband Bill of Shelby, NC; his niece, Holly Crofton Mabe and husband Shawn of Raleigh, NC; his great-niece, Bailey Mabe; and many beloved nieces, nephews, co-workers, and friends.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 PM at the Asbury Hall of Chestnut Street Methodist Church, 200 E. 8 ^th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Chestnut Street Methodist Church, 200 E. 8 ^th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.