Obituary of William Van Wie

William "Will" Arthur Van Wie, 74, of Clayton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by his loving family. William was born in Rochester, NY on September 26, 1938 to Arthur and Florence Van Wie.

William attended Carson Long Military Academy School, graduating in 1958. Having a true love of the military and our great country, and more importantly, the sea, he entered into the Coast Guard of the United States, serving from 1961-1966. His love of science and medicine, led him to become a Hospital Corpsman First Class, a job he enjoyed to the fullest. Being in the Coast Guard also allowed him his other joy, that of traveling and discovering the world. Learning new languages, and the joy of meeting people, led him on a wonderful and exciting journey that continued for the rest of his life. After leaving the service, one of his other loves, that of carpentry and woodworking, gave him constant joy and fulfillment. He started Kellie's Cash & Carry, a fishing company in Washington State. This allowed him to continue his love affair with the sea, traveling to Alaska to fish in her great waters for king crab and salmon. He also started a construction and remodeling company, Fox Lair Corp. Mastering all skills necessary to build a home, truly becoming a "jack of all trades," he remodeled many, many homes for people, making dreams come true. After moving to New Hampshire, he continued his love of building homes and remodeling. Moving to North Carolina many years later, he worked at North Carolina State University, before retiring to start his last business, a central vacuum installation company and fine carpentry. His love of water continued, building a houseboat from scratch for his family to enjoy on the lake, which they did as often as possible. His love of our great country never abated, he believed in fighting for her freedom and success. His love of family and strong loyalty was known to all who met him, along with his quick wit, sense of humor, and love of learning and discovery that he never tired of. He hid a soft hearted soul, helping a great many people, without their knowledge, believing that God should come first, and a good deed was recognized from above.

William is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn Elizabeth Van Wie, his daughters, Heather Rachel Taylor and husband, Robert Taylor, of Clayton, NC, Carrie Rebecca Einbinder and husband, Marshall Einbinder, of Round Lake Beach, Il, and his grandchildren, Joshua Michael Einbinder, Rachel Elizabeth Lamb, and Samuel Arthur Einbinder.

An open memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, January 5th at 2pm, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 15772 NC Hwy 50, Garner, NC 27529

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be given in his name to Hospice of Wake County, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 15772 NC Hwy 50, Garner, NC 27529