William “Bill” Russell Lane Jr. passed away serenely Wednesday, August 12, 2020 in Kitty Hawk, NC in a fitting testament of a life epitomizing gentle strength. He was 73 years old. Bill was unique in that his brilliant, humble actions spoke the truth of him more gracefully than anything he ever said.
His selfless, gentle nature revealed layers of warmth and exceptional intellect. He put others at ease with a warm smile and genuine interest in people. Bill grew up near the woods of Wilmington, and along the way played music, hunted, and fished for sharks off Johnny Mercer’s pier in Wrightsville Beach. He constantly built upon his skills with increasing ambition, from computer programming to complex carpentry.
After he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Whedbee Lane (deceased), in 1969. Together, they expanded the family business of Wilmington Hospital Supply into Tarheel Physicians Supply. More than run a successful company, the two developed a close-knit team of employees and loyal friends who may as well be family. Bill lovingly and selflessly cared for his wife Jane when she fought and ultimately lost her battle with cancer in 2006.
In 2010, he married Yvonne Spruill Taylor and discovered renewed joy in Kitty Hawk, NC. This fresh start was lush with music, camping, caring for their Bassett hounds and evolving their home into a sanctuary. He weaved himself into the community and atmosphere in the Outer Banks, be it as simple as being a good neighbor, delighting at local cuisine, or applying all the skills he developed in Wilmington for those who crossed his path.
Throughout his life, he accepted people on their terms, drawing a quiet pride in realizing the potential of all those around him. And for that was he deeply, deeply loved by all three of his families – the one he was born into, the one he made, and the one he created anew.
He is survived by his wife Yvonne Spruill Taylor Lane and her children, William Heath Taylor, Ross Taylor (Jennifer) and their children, Noel Dralle, Katelyn Taylor, Noah Taylor. His daughter Jennifer Lane DiStefano (Rob) and grandchildren Anna Jane and Kathryn Reese DiStefano, son William Russell “Russ” Lane III. Brothers Frank Harden Lane and Charles Jenkins Lane, and nieces and nephew, Kimberly Ellis McCusker, David Crockett Ellis, Keely Tamara and Asiah Mariah Lane.
The family would like to thank Gospel Community Church in Kill Devil Hills for their kindness and ministry for Bill and Yvonne. Jenny and Russ would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Yvonne Taylor for her dedicated and loving care of their father.
Donations in memory of Bill can be made to Outer Banks SPCA Dare County Animal Shelter by visiting obxspca.org or mailing checks to PO Box 2477 Manteo, NC, 27954To express condolences to the family, please visit www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.