William Mitchell “Bill” Wall

Raleigh - William Mitchell “Bill” Wall, beloved husband, uncle, patriot, and friend passed away peacefully at home after a long struggle with leukemia. Born in Charlotte to William and Gladys Young Wall, Bill graduated from Harding High School and immediately joined the US Navy and served on the landing craft crew of the USS Waukesha in the South Pacific. His ship was active in many battles including the invasion of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. One of 6 ships in Task Force 31, the Waukesha was with the first US forces to enter Tokyo Bay on August 27, 1945 and participated in the landing and seizure of Yokosuka Naval Base. They were also the first US forces to enter Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped and where he witnessed the devastation firsthand. After the war, Bill returned to North Carolina and attend Campbell College. He married Doris Thompson of Raleigh in 1947 and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last September. A home builder by profession he was known for his attention to detail and integrity. Bill was extremely civic minded throughout his life and was past president of the Raleigh Exchange Club and chairman of their Bicentennial Committee which was responsible for the “First in Freedom” slogan on NC license plates. A true southern gentleman, he was well known for his story telling ability, his unending list of funny jokes, and incredible memory even down to the smallest detail. With Bill, it was always faith, country, and family. He is survived by his wife Doris; aunt Mrs. Vivian Young of Rolesville; sister-in-law Mrs. Kathleen Bogasse of Myrtle Beach; nieces and nephews: Suzanne Southard (Art) of Pine Knoll Shores; John Thompson (Vicki) of Raleigh; Dickie Thompson (Angie) of Raleigh; Marty Thompson (Cindy) of Cary; Glenda Thacker (Eddie) of Katy, Texas; Sam Perry of Myrtle Beach; Michael Perry (Cathy) of Chapel Hill; Cousin Faye Laxton (David) of Rolesville, and many great nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Neeraj Agrawal, Dr. Susheel Atree, Transitions Lifecare, special friends Doug Watkins and Joanne Andrews, Scott Class at Bayleaf Baptist Church, and his guardian angel Angie Thompson who gave such great support during Bill’s illness. Visitation will be held at 10:00AM Thursday May 24, 2018 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church located at 12200 Bayleaf Church Road with funeral service to follow at 11:00AM. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Bayleaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh NC 27614.