William "Bill" Eric Plampin III

William "Bill" Eric Plampin III, born April 10, 1953, unexpectedly passed away on October 30, 2025, at the age of 72. His children, Paige and Eric; son-in-law, Jeff Welch; grandchildren, Payton and Chase; and their spouses, Victor and Sydni were lovingly by his side.

Bill's early years were spent in Gastonia, North Carolina with his parents, William Eric Plampin Jr. and Hilda Lee Bell; his sister, Cheryl "Sherri" Plampin Anderson; and his brother, Conrad Plampin.
To know Bill was to know the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Williams. He credited her with every joy he ever trusted or knew—she was his Camelot.
Bill and Brenda were married on November 25, 1972. She was known to say, "He made me laugh."

Bills early career was driving a truck for Sherwin-Williams Paint Company. One of his favorite stories to tell was of Brenda joining him for lunch, sitting on an upside-down paint bucket.

Bill and Brenda welcomed their daughter, Paige McCullough Plampin in 1976, and their son, William "Eric" Plampin IV in 1978.

After moving to Tega Cay, South Carolina, Bill followed in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Clifford Leroy Williams as an insurance salesman. Bill not only took pride in the relationships he built in disadvantaged neighborhoods but held great love for the communities that supported him and his southern appetite. A fierce competitor, Bill broke company records and was known to knock on doors day and night until his goals were met. When the work was done, his family would find him in his room—curtains drawn, television on, polishing his shoes.

In 1980, Bill was invited to lead sales efforts in Bayern, Germany. Brenda, always up for adventure, sold everything they owned and took off with Bill and their young children.

After great success, Bill ventured out on his own, moving the family to Kitzingen, Germany, where he opened THE OFFICE, Inc., as a financial planner. He also launched a travel agency introducing "Fly Now, Pay Later," a car rental company, The Crystal Shoppe, and even partnered with a discotheque.

Bill was an exciting father and a doting husband. He loved the high life, good music, sweet tea, and making a sale. He was passionate, artistic, funny and a master storyteller.

In 1991, Brenda convinced Bill it was time to retire and relocate back to their roots in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Brenda passed away in 1994, and with her, Bill lost much of his trust, happiness, and drive. Years later, after several moves and odd jobs, he found a new passion in photography. His talent shined brightly—one of his most prized photographs still hangs today in the Quail Hollow locker room.

In recent years, Bill rediscovered his love for painting and found peace in nature. His final months were quiet but filled with the things he loved most—old westerns, photos, music, gardening, "piddling," chatting with neighbors, storytelling and good food. He was immensely proud of his children, deeply loved his grandchildren, and cherished becoming a great-grandfather.

Funeral services will be held at 3:26pm on Friday, November 7, 2025, in the chapel where Bill and Brenda were married—First United Methodist Church of Gastonia.

The family asks that, in memory of Bill, contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, or a local art, theatre or photography program to honor his lifelong love of creativity.

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