William "Bill" Hatcher Kincheloe
August 4, 1937 ~ February 6, 2023
ROCKY MOUNT - William “Bill” Hatcher Kincheloe, 85, passed away on February 6, 2023. The oldest of seven children, he was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC, graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High, and attended NC State University. He was married for 63 years to the former Martha “Marty” Frances Purvis, and they have 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
At NC State, Bill was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. While living in Raleigh, he worked for WRAL-FM as an on-air radio personality. Bill was passionate about his hobbies, from trains to fireworks to boating. His interest in boating inspired him to form his first business with his friend, Jimmy Davis, while he was still in high school. Kincheloe-Davis Motors designed and built racing boats, some of which he entered in a number of statewide races.
In 1961, Marty and Bill moved back to Rocky Mount, and he took over the management of Bulluck Furniture Co. The business was founded by his grandfather, W. A. Bulluck, in 1900. Bill was fascinated by a special service the store offered making custom lamps. By 1969, he had developed a small line of handcrafted lamps, which were photographed, taken on the road by a sales rep and WILDWOOD LAMPS was born. Bill traveled extensively developing his home furnishings business for over 50 years, forging friendships around the world.
Bill gave so much of himself to the community. He served as Chairman of the North Carolina Railroad Company, one of the greatest joys of his life; Chairman of the NC Ports Railway Commission; Chairman of the NC State Ports Authority Board; a member of the Governor’s Rail Passenger Task Force; a Trustee at NC Wesleyan College; a Board member of the Salvation Army; a Director for Planters Bank, and as an Executive Committee Director for Centura Bank; President of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce; President of the Rocky Mount YMCA; a member of the Rocky Mount Train Station Advisory Committee. Bill was a long-time member of Lakeside Baptist Church, which his grandfather, Dr. John W. Kincheloe, was instrumental in founding; The Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club and Benvenue Country Club.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Hatcher Byrd and Elizabeth Bulluck Kincheloe. He is survived by his wife, Martha “Marty” Purvis Kincheloe, daughters, Elizabeth Kincheloe Hedgepeth and Martha Kincheloe Barnes (Russ), both of Rocky Mount, NC and Susan Kincheloe Turner (Russell) of Thomasville, GA; grandchildren, Whit Barnes (Litsa), Robert Barnes (Lindsey), Catherine Hedgepeth Jones (Kevin), Will Hedgepeth, Garland Turner, Anne Scott Turner and Hill Turner; and great-grandchild Gray Jones.
A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright and Rev. Elizabeth Edwards officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the home of Marty and Bill.
A heartfelt thanks to Lisa Bobbitt, Angie Sutton, and Fannie Powell for their kind and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to the Salvation Army of Rocky Mount, 1000 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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This Man will be greatly missed !!! Rip Mr Kincheloe.
So sorry
A very very nice man!
Bill and his wife Marty were so gracious to both of us whenever we saw them. They willingly and gladly arranged dinners out with us and other couples at Furniture markets, flew up to support our family when our granddaughter Riley passed away from pediatric cancer, and Bill, in particular was the very essence of a warm and kindly southern gentleman.
Beyond that he was a very astute businessman who knew how to get the most out of the people who became part of his working family. He built a team that worked with him. Sometimes, doing work that should have been done by a janitor, but nevertheless, doing a job by example. Bill also had vision to take his business beyond the comfortable zone we all seek and knew that greater opportunities provided growth.
Bill will be missed by both of us. Our memories of Bill enjoying a good laugh, sharing a story or providing a kindly gesture will live on with us. Rest In Peace Bill.
Mr. Kincheloe, whom I adored wholeheartedly will definitely be missed. I thank so much for giving Montaye an awesome experience and opportunity by riding on your train. The books and also touring the village. RIH!
Love Priscilla
Bill left His own legend like His Father Hatcher; always had time to smile and greet you. As His Father Hatcher, they were the core of Bulluck Furniture. No one will ever be able to take His place at Wildwood Lamp Company as only Bill made that Company what it is today. He will be missed by so many. N
My heart is breaking. I loved Mr Bill! He was the sweetest gentleman. Rest with the angels now Mr Bill.
Mr. Bill was of the kindest, encouraging and endearing men we had the pleasure of knowing through the furniture/design industry. Though it was only for a short 5 years, we are thankful that we crossed paths. He certainly leaves a legacy.
Michael and Beverly Best
Mr. Kincheloe was a very nice man. Sending prayers to his family. I am sorry for your loss.
Prayers for all of the Kincheloe family. Your husband, father, grandfather and friend will be greatly missed by many. May God’s grace be with all of you during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences. Mr. Kincheloe will remain in our hearts forever. In deepest sympathy from friend forever in Japan. In deepest sympathy.
Prayers for Kincheloe Family , Mr. Bill was a very nice man . I am so sorry for your loss.
Tu – Viet Nam.
Such a super nice gentleman, RIP BIll, praying for all the family tonight.
Prayers lifted up for all of the Kincheloe family. Mr. Kincheloe was a kind person and will be greatly missed by many. May God’s blessings be with all of you during this difficult time. RIP Mr. Bill.
Bill was a gentle soul and a true southern gentleman. All who knew him treasure their friendship. Heaven has gained another precious Angel. My heartfelt prayers and condolences for his family.
Our sincerest condolences to the family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
A wonderful man and family. At Christmas, Bill would take his train on the tracks behind his house and take “Santa” for a ride down the tracks
with a “hohoho”…a fun Christmas memory that he did with joy! One year, my daughter was around 5 and we were in the Kincheloe’s backyard and it was time to hop on the train…Bill put an engineer cap on my daughter’s head and away THEY went…that is a cherished picture!
To know Bill and all the Kincheloe’s is knowing joy and love. Bill and Marty, epitome of marriage partnership and friendship…a witness shared ✝️💝🦋 Kathryn Keel
Sending my condolences to all of the family and friends 🙏🏻
My condolences to Marty and family. Bill was loved by all who knew him. A very special family and Bill will surely be missed. Love to all, Kay Wester
Bill was a fine gentleman and will be missed by many. We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all close in prayer.
I have known of Bill Kincheloe most of my life. I got to know Bill as a friend when, years ago, I joined Bill and several other men to eat breakfast every Saturday morning.. My favorite memory of Bill will be when, last September, a few of the breakfast crowd, Lanny Shuff, Sam Parham, Chancey Hill and me, picked him up at his home and took him to the Hot Sauce Festival in Oxford, NC. Talk about a kid in the candy store. Bill was on his walker and moved slowly, but managed to stop at every booth that lined both sides of the main street in Oxford. And there were a lot of them. Bill tasted most every sauce available and bought at least ten or twelve bottles of them to take home. A good time was had by all, especially Bill. We were looking forward to taking him back this year.
Dear family, Louis and I share your loss. Bill was a wonderful, kind and generous Southern gentleman. He will be missed in the community. Laura and Louis O’neal
I am out of the country and will miss the funeral, but I certainly would have been there for Bill. What a great gentleman! I loved serving with him on the NC Railroad Board. He was thoughtful, interesting and loved his service which was a gift to all of us. He will be missed.
During my forty years of employment with Bulluck Furniture, I often worked with Bill on design projects throughout Rocky Mount. I admired his attention to detail and his knowledge of accessories and furniture. It was easy to respect Bill Kincheloe! He was a Southern gentleman filled with words of encouragement, compliments of a job well done and compassion during times of loss. I remember his keen sense of humor and his many tales of his business trips! I am still trying to block all memories of his descriptions of the exotic dishes he tried during his travels! Bill was an innovative man of many talents whose warmth, smile and generosity touched many lives. Our community, state and the accessory and furniture industry have lost a legendary contributor! Danny and I send our love and sympathy to the entire Kincheloe family!
Susan, Russell and family, our deepest sympathies and prayers for all of you during this time. Love ya
He was once in a lifetime gentleman, I will be forever grateful for the honour and privilege to have known such a man! Sleep on awesome one.. I will miss you….Lisa B.
So very sorry to hear this. He was a great man. Love and prayers to the family.
Ciao Bill and family
You will be kept in my memory and prayers. We have shared many years of business and friendship. It was a honor meeting you over 40 years ago when you started to travel to Italy on business. Great friendship we built that doesnt go forgotten. Rest in Peace. Mauro
With deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Q: What will you miss most about William “Bill”?
A: His smile. BILL was so nice and kind. But he was so full of joy every time you saw him. I have never seen him mad. It was like sunshine on a rainy day. He made you feel good whenever you saw that smile. He will be missed. Yvonne Whitaker.
So sorry about Bill’s passing.Always enjoyed talking to a fellow eastern NC resident at the furniture market.
With our deepest sympathies to his family and friends
Charles TILLERY
TILLERY Designs
Dear Marty,
Carla and I were saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He, and you, were great friends during our years in Rocky Mount. As I write this note, I am sitting beside two wonderful lamps here in Toronto from Wildwood. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ian and Carla Newbould
Bill Kincheloe was a dear friend to me and everyone at The Rocky Mount Railroad Museum. He was such a good encourager and supporter. He looked forward to having a railroad museum in Rocky Mount and his efforts helped to bring it about. He was one of the kindest person’s I have ever met. I feel blessed. TEAM RMRRM does as well. He will be missed.
Q: How did you meet William “Bill”?
A: I met Mr.Bill when I started working at Wildwood in August 2015! Mr.Bill was the sweetest and most caring man I have ever met. He valued his employees and he always met you with a smile! Mr.Bill will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and his family! Love, Melissa Moore
Mr. Bill was the sweetest man and I loved working for him at Wildwood! He always had a smile on his face! He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. 💕
Mr. Kincheloe was a faithful lifetime member of the advisory board for The Salvation Army in Rocky Mount. He leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends who have suffered this loss, and we mourn with them.