LTC WILLIAM P. FRELIGH To TAPS

LTC (RET) William "Bill" Freligh died peacefully in his sleep on March 1, 2015, at the Tucker Hospice House in Concord, NC. 

Bill was a humble and gentle soul. Bill embodied all the best qualities of "The Greatest Generation." He was born on September 11, 1919 in Detroit, Michigan. Both he and his brother were raised in an orphanage and brought up in very modest circumstances yet Bill was one of the most generous people you could ever know, both with his possessions and his affection. 

Bill graduated from Officer Candidate School in September of 1942 in Miami, FL. Upon graduation he married his first wife Eleanor and had a son William. 

After numerous schools Bill went to the Pacific Theater in November 1943 and served in WWII, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. While serving in the Army 
Bill met and married Betty King of Charlotte, NC in 1952. 

They had a love and marriage that spanned 60 years and lasted well into both of their battles with Alzheimer's disease. Their love was the envy of all who knew them; their nurses and care takers couldn't imagine how one might live without the other. 

Bill was always motivated to better himself and provide for his family. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Michigan and from Appalachian State University. Bill held degrees in Education and Finance and worked in both fields. The majority of Bill's career was spent in the Army where he worked in the area of Wage and Hour. 

After leaving the military his advice was continually sought by the government and private industry. Bill was such an expert that he published six books regarding national Labor Law. After a career in Finance Bill taught History at Garinger High School in Charlotte, NC. 
After retiring Bill would not be slowed down. His capacity and drive to serve his fellow man, his church and community were unrivaled. Bill was a tireless volunteer at Presbyterian Hospital bringing a smile to so many people who were hurting.

He also volunteered for many years with Friendship Trays and brought joy to all the homes and homebound persons he visited. 

Bill also spent time volunteering and serving at the American Legion Post 400 in Charlotte. 
Bill was a devout member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church where he was a Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer. At HGUMC he made and cultivated many life-long friendships, he volunteered his time cooking, cleaning and doing whatever needed to be done. 

In addition to all of his learning, working, serving, he always made time for his family. Bill's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were lucky enough to have his attention for many years. He traveled to visit family, attended birthdays, sports games, graduations and weddings. Bill could always be counted on to be there for the important and unimportant things.

Bill's love of the NC Mountains was enduring. He and Betty owned a mountain "getaway" in Summit, NC and he loved to work the land and the cattle with his brother in law. Anyone was welcome to spend time in Bill's vacation home and many friends and family made treasured memories there.

Mr. Freligh was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty King Freligh and his son, Larry "Mickey" Smith. He is survived by his brother Robert Freligh of Adrian, MI with nieces and a nephew, his first wife Eleanor of Clearwater , FL , their son, William Freligh III and wife Mary of Ladson, SC; grandchildren William Freligh IV and wife Cindy , twin great grandsons Dylan and Dakota of Goose Creek , SC ; Robert Scott Freligh and great granddaughter Shannon of Goose Creek, SC ; Daughter-in-law Patricia Smith of Harrisburg ,NC , grandchildren Chad Smith of Wilmington , NC, Shelley Book and husband Ken of Harrisburg , NC.