Bill Rand

William Ripley Rand, a devoted steward of his community and home state, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Wilson Medical Center from complications from a fall.

The visitation will be Friday, December 13, 4:30-6:00 PM, at Wilson Memorial Service.  A service will be held for the family at a later date.

He was predeceased by his parents Oliver G. Rand and Sarah Higdon Rand, his wife, Julia Ann Crater Rand, and brothers, Oliver G. Rand, Jr. and Joe H. Rand.

He is survived by his wife, Janet C. Rand; daughters, Margaret R. Corbett (Fred), Katherine R. Schamay (Don), and Anna R. Bond (Bob); granddaughters, Ann S. Landis (Michael), Katherine S. Moser (Alex), Julia Schamay, and Sarah Schamay; great-grandchildren, Mary Ritchie, Gaberiel Landis, and William Landis. He is also survived by his wife’s children, Michael C. Betts (Diana) and Jennifer A. Fisher (Scott) and grandsons, Gray Betts and Alexander Fisher. 

A native of Wilson, NC, Bill experienced a joyful childhood with his brothers, surrounded by lifelong friends and a close-knit family. He graduated from Charles L. Coon High School and pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an undergraduate, Bill enjoyed his affiliation with the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the varsity swim team, and the Naval ROTC. Upon graduation in 1958, Bill served with distinction as an officer on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Randolph from 1958-1960. 

In 1963, Bill graduated from the UNC School of Law. He began a long and distinguished career with the Wilson firm of Lucas Rand Rose and its successors in name, serving his clients with unwavering dedication until retiring in 2003. His commitment to the legal profession earned him recognition, including appointment to the NC Board of Law Examiners (1986-1990) and induction into the NCBA General Practice Hall of Fame in 2004.

In his personal life, Bill was fortunate to have the support of a loving family. In March, 1959, he married Julia Ann Crater, from Raleigh, NC. For 35 years, they raised a family, supported their community, and embraced dear friends. After Julia Ann’s passing, Bill married Janet Betts in 1996, starting a new chapter filled with shared travels and interests. Janet and Bill enjoyed 28 years together. 

Bill’s devotion to North Carolina extended beyond his professional life. He loved Topsail Beach, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, and cultivating his garden, reflecting his deep connection to the natural beauty of his state. Known for his affection for people, Bill had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued. His generosity, wisdom, and humor left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Friends and family remember him fondly for the many adventures shared in NC and on the West Coast. He enjoyed time spent on the Recreation Center tennis court and the Wilson Country Club golf course. His local friends will recall his affection for Hearts and “feed night” at the Elks Club. All of us know he treasured a good story or heartfelt discussion around the dinner table. He was a devoted friend, father, uncle, and grandfather, whose love and presence will be profoundly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-9867, The First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1423, Wilson, NC, 27894, or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson; 252-237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com