William "Bill" Schaeffer Fisher

William "Bill" Schaeffer Fisher, 92, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, due to complications from the flu. He lived a long and full life, one marked by purpose, integrity, and deep devotion to the people and causes he loved. Always ready with thoughtful advice, he found joy in helping others - whether that meant offering a steady hand, a listening ear, or a practical solution to a tricky problem.

Born in Kannapolis, NC to Arthur William "A.W." and Loula Schaeffer Fisher, Bill grew up in Concord in the early 1940s, a time and place that shaped his values of hard work, honesty, and service. He attended Coltrane Grammar School, graduated from The McCallie School in 1952, and earned his BS in Textile Engineering with honors from North Carolina State University in 1956. At NCSU, he was President of the Tompkins Textile Council and Sigma Nu Fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, later serving eight years as a Captain in the Army Ready Reserves.

In August of 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Gloria Anne Weaver. They began their journey in Fort Knox, Kentucky, during his service in the Armored Tank Division. Six months later, they returned to Kannapolis, where Bill began his career with Cannon Mills, following in his father's footsteps. In 1967, the family moved to Concord, where Bill and Gloria built a home that became a hub for holidays, backyard games, and countless family memories. Through their 61 years together, Bill and Gloria were true partners. When Gloria faced a 15-year battle with Alzheimer's, Bill became her constant caregiver, tending to her needs with unwavering love and ensuring she could remain at home.

Throughout his career at Cannon Mills, Bill rose to senior management positions in the Manufacturing Division, leading with wisdom, fairness, and respect. Former employees often told his family how much they enjoyed working with him - a man who listened, who led by example, and who believed in doing things right the first time. After retiring, he ran his own business, TRI Manufacturing, for more than a decade.

Faith was the cornerstone of Bill's life. A lifelong Lutheran, he was active in Kimbell Memorial Lutheran Church, St. James Lutheran Church, and the NC Lutheran Synod, serving as church council chair, Sunday School teacher, VP of the Home Mission Foundation, and trustee of the Lutheran Children's Home of the South. He approached service not as an obligation, but as a way to make the lives of others better.

Bill was also deeply committed to his community, and he looked for ways to support its growth and the needs of its residents. He served as: Chairman of the Cabarrus Airport Commission; Director and member of Cannon Foundation; Vice Chairman of the Central NC Boy Scout Council and Chairman of the Council's National Jamboree Committee (Ray C. Hoover, Order of Arrow, Silver Beaver and President's Awards recipient); Vice Chairman of the Cabarrus Red Cross; Kannapolis Rotary Club President (Paul Harris Fellow); County Chairman of the NC State Wolfpack Club; President of the Kannapolis Toastmasters Club; and member of the board of directors for CK Federal Savings Bank, Cabarrus Bank and Trust Co, Concord-Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce, Cabarrus County Boys Club and United Way of Cabarrus County.

For all his accomplishments, Bill's happiest moments were often the simplest: working on home projects (a gifted handyman), cheering on the NCSU Wolfpack, solving puzzles, watching a James Bond movie, or spending summers at Lake Norman teaching friends and family to water ski. He loved to laugh at a good joke, and when he did, his whole face lit up. He was a man who knew that joy is often found in everyday moments, shared with people you love.

He also had a gift for investing - not just in the stock market, but in people. He encouraged young Scouts, helped friends and neighbors, and offered guidance to colleagues. His legacy is built not only on what he accomplished, but on how he treated people.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister, Margaret Fisher McIver. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Fisher of Winston-Salem; children Julie Anne Autrey (Greg) of Atlanta, GA, and Schaeffer Fisher Jr. (Tammy) of Concord, NC; grandchildren Trey Fisher, Caroline Fisher, and Rachel Autrey; great-grandson Liam Fisher; nieces Maggie Scarborough (Bruce) and Lucinda Human; grand-nieces Elizabeth Stavish (Forrest) and Lilith Hart; great-grand-niece Rose Stavish; and great-grand-nephew Oliver Stavish. In recent years, he was blessed with the companionship of his dear friend Mary Ann Graham, who brought joy and support after Gloria's passing.

Bill was a true gentleman and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose generosity and leadership enriched many lives. His example of service, kindness, patience, and steadfast devotion leaves a lasting legacy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Morningside of Concord and Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday January 3, 2026, at Wilkinson Funeral Home,100 Branchview Drive, Concord, NC 28025, with visitation one hour prior at 10:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 104 Union Street South, Concord, NC, 28025, Hospice and Palliative Care Cabarrus or to a charity of your choice.