William Douglas Kindley

William Douglas Kindley, 93, of Asheville, NC passed away on July 8, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Bill was born on January 1, 1932 in Thomasville, NC to the late Kathleen Davis Kindley and Olin Taft Kindley. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Martha K. Dockery; and brother, Robert T. Kindley.

Bill lived in Thomasville and Charlotte, NC, before settling in Asheville, NC. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Guilford College and went on to complete a Master of Education at Western Carolina University. He also attained an Advanced Certificate in Industrial Engineering at ICS.

Bill proudly served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, flying C-119 aircrafts while stationed in Japan. He later continued his service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in North Carolina.

Dedicated to education and community, Bill was a teacher, principal, and basketball coach in the Buncombe County School System. He also worked as an industrial engineer with Carolina Power and Light, now Duke Energy. Bill never lost interest in learning. He taught himself computer skills after retirement, and could repair or construct most anything.

An active member of his community, Bill belonged to Central United Methodist Church where he served as an usher, and was previously a Deacon and Elder at Arden Presbyterian Church. He was a dedicated member of the Valley Springs Lions Club, voted Lion of the Year for several years. One of the delights of his life was dancing. He was listed as “Best Dancer” at Thomasville High School. He enjoyed dancing with his wife Sue in the Valley Springs Square Dance Team.

He found joy on the golf course and took great pride in cheering for the UNC men’s basketball team—two passions that reflected his spirited nature and lifelong love of camaraderie and competition.

Surviving Bill is his loving spouse of 66 years, Sue Hollifield Kindley; children, Tamara Kindley Terrell (Byron) of Fletcher, NC, Lisa Kindley Rettew (Richard) of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Erik Rettew of Asheville, NC, Marianne Rettew (Christopher Varnson) of Waynesville, NC and Cole Rettew of Raleigh, NC.

A memorial service will be held on July 20, 2025 at 2PM at the Central United Methodist Church in Asheville, NC. Reverend Dr. Mary Brown will be officiating.

The family asks that donations be made to Valley Springs Lions Club at 424 Pigeon Lane, Arden, NC 28704, or to Central United Methodist Church at 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

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