William "Bill" David Christy

William David "Bill" Christy died unexpectedly May 8, 2024, at his home having lived 92 wonderful years. Born in Cabarrus County on August 11, 1931, to the late Lucy and George Christy, Bill was the third of four children.

After graduating from high school Bill worked for Cannon Mills in Kannapolis and then entered the Army in 1952. He served several years with most of his service in Europe. Bill was known to relay tales of his travels to many countries (England, France, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria) during his service overseas and started many a story with "Did I tell you about the time I went to ... and saw...?" While in the military Bill earned the following: Good Conduct medal, Army Occupation, Germany medal and the National Defense medal and held the rank of Sgt. when he was discharged from the Army. Post military Bill worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital and ended his career with Celanese America.

Bill married the late Evelyn Adcock Christy February 3, 1956. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage before her passing in November 2010. Bill and Evelyn had one child, Susan Christy Hollett. They were very loving parents and were engaged in all activities with their daughter and doted on grandsons Tyler and Jon.

Bill was often described as a humble, caring person and a man of great faith. He attended the First Wesleyan Church in Kannapolis until the Covid 19 epidemic and then remained in touch with his church community through phone calls and visitation with those who came to his home.

"Faith in the Lord" was always Bill's answer to living a long, active and healthy life when asked.

Bill never met a stranger. His personality was outgoing, always smiling, and he used all opportunities to praise the Lord. One of his outreach ministries was the use of peppermint candy and the message "God bless you."

Peppermint candy was a staple in Bill's home. He liked peppermint candy but enjoyed sharing it even more. Bill's jean pockets were always filled with peppermints that were given to anyone he came into contact with. One such occasion was his "fulfilling a bucket list wish" trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana at age 91 to participate in the Jimmy Swaggart 2023 Family Camp. On the plane ride Bill went up and down the aisle passing peppermints and saying, "God bless you."

The words "God bless you" always followed the giving of a peppermint.

Bill loved to travel with his wife Evelyn until his vision became limited and at 92 years of age could still provide directions to choice locations- saying "Now down here you need to take a right- you should see a gas station on the left." Bill's family found his directions both amusing and accurate. Bill was also a spontaneous person- he loved baseball, in particular the Atlanta Braves, and in earlier years would arrive unannounced at his daughter's school, stating to the school principal that an aunt was sick and he needed to take Susan out of school. The two would then head to Atlanta, Georgia for a Braves game.

Surviving family include Susan Christy Hollett and husband James of Lewisville, NC and two grandsons (Tyler Hollett of Raleigh, NC and Jon Hollett of Lewisville, NC).

The family would like to thank the many friends who supported the very independent 92-year-old; Ronnie, Kay, Del, Dixie, Suzie, James, David and many more. We are also appreciative to the Unity United Methodist Church who not only delivered meals but also provided companionship. Bill was very much a part of the lives of the men and women who delivered these meals. Also acknowledge the wonderful neighborhood in which Bill lived for over 60 years- neighbors who knew his routines and checked in on him, catered to his special food desires (banana pudding & cornbread), and other delights and services that he looked forward to and treasured. Thank you.

Bill was many things to many people. Husband, Dad, Paw Paw, Uncle Bill, the Peppermint guy, the man who always wore a McDonalds hat...we will miss you. Your journey is complete, rest in peace, you are home with the Lord.

Funeral services to be held at Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Kannapolis, NC. Services to be conducted Tuesday, May 14th with visitation at 10 AM and funeral at 11 AM.