Bill was born in Morganton, North Carolina. He attended the North Carolina public schools, served in the United States Marine Corps, attended Lenoir-Rhyne College and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1963.

Bill has been engaged in the general practice of law in Hickory, North Carolina since August 1963. Currently his practice focuses on corporations and other business entities; estate planning and administration; and both commercial and residential real estate.

Bill is admitted to practice in all courts of the State of North Carolina; the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina; and the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Bill is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association General Practice Hall of Fame. Membership is granted in recognition of a lifetime of exemplary and high ethical and professional standards and for serving as a role model for all lawyers in North Carolina.