William Sterling Yoder

May 9, 2025

 

CHARLOTTE - William Sterling Yoder, 73, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on May 9, 2025. He was born on September 30, 1951 in Hopewell, Virginia.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism, Bill began his professional journey as a reporter for a small newspaper, driven by a passion for storytelling and truth. He later worked in Communications for Duke Power before embarking on an entrepreneurial path, owning and operating a small packing and shipping business.

Bill found joy and peace in nature and community. He treasured time at Emerald Isle, NC, and found adventure in kayaking the Catawba River. An avid cyclist, he enjoyed countless rides with his friends in the Gaston County Cyclists group. His love for the outdoors was matched by his artistic spirit, often expressed through photography and mixed-media art projects.

Above all, Bill cherished his family. He was a devoted father and proud grandfather who could often be found cheering from the sidelines of his grandchildren’s sporting events or simply spending time in their company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Marion Yoder and Hallie Claiborne Yoder; his brother, Harry Lee Yoder; and his beloved son, Christopher William Yoder. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Marian Yoder and Elizabeth Yoder Gilliam; his daughter, Lauren Yoder Sawyers (Jeff); his son, David Andrew Yoder (Shayna); his grandchildren, Luke William Sawyers, Madeline Eloise Sawyers, Emily Ann Sawyers, and Cyrus James Yoder; and his niece, Jo Miller.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, with a reception to follow in the Welcome Center. The service will also be streamed live.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to Sustain Charlotte, a local nonprofit dedicated to advocating for safer bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure—causes close to his heart. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Mary Cele (Bain) Brooks

    I heard the name on the news last week but was stunned to learn tonight about Bill Yoder's passing. I am heartbroken as Bill was part of my early days at Duke Power in the late '70's. He was the editor of the Duke News and a part of my singles group then. I grieved with him for his son. Bill was kind, creative and so enlightening. RIP Bill. I would love to hug your neck...

    Short URL:
  • Tom Rogers

    Billy and I were high school classmates in Roxboro, NC. We saw each other at our 50th high school reunion. A few years later we met for coffee in Emerald Isle to catch up and "to talk about poems, prayers and promises and things that we believe in." His insights and perspectives were impressive to me. I believe that the world is better for his enthusiasm and great spirit. All who knew him will miss him greatly, and I will long for those conversations that we will never have. I express my sincere condolences to his family.

    Short URL:
  • Barbara Bradsher Powell

    I was so very sorry to hear about “Billy”, as he was known to us. We grew up together and I will always remember him as a gentleman and good friend. My thoughts are with your family.

    Barbara Powell
    Roxboro High School Class of 1969

    Short URL:
  • Sandra Whitt Hastings

    I just heard on May 17th about Bill's passing and extend sympathy to the family. Bill was a graduate of our Roxboro High School Class of 1969 and we are sad at our classmate's sudden death from a tragic biking accident. May God comfort you in your grief as you hold to treasured memories.

    Short URL:
  • David Mildenberg

    Bill was a wonderful guy who loved his community. Condolences to his great family.

    Short URL:
  • JAMES Charles LEATHERS

    Bill and I go back to the 1970's. Bill was at the King Times News and I was the manager of Duke Power's Belews Creek Power plant. Both in Stokes County., just north of Forsyth County (Winston-Salem). I recommended Bill for the job at Duke in the Communications Department. When I returned to Charlotte in 1984, and joined Covenant Presbyterian Church, we reconnected and continued our friendship. I always enjoyed reading Bill's facebook posts.

    Short URL:
  • Huston Sheppard

    Bill will be missed. Rode a lot of miles with him. Prayers and condolences to the family.

    Short URL:
  • MaryJane Heath

    44 years ago I was sitting on my front steps. Terry had flown off with the National Guard for 2 weeks. I had been in this house, this city, this state, all of 3 days. Heat didn't work, first week of March. Nicholas , my 19 mo. Old , and I were sitting outside. I was looking up and down sidewalk just to see another adult. And then I did. Bill was pushing a baby in a stroller. I stood up and sort of yelled "Hi my name is MaryJane I am new in town, what's your name??!! Bill laughed and introduced himself and Lauren. He was great and that started a decades long friendship for us with the Yoders.We celebrated together and grieved together.. Our children were good friends and for a good many of those decades the girls were like sisters. Time passed moves were made and we drifted apart some. But....I will always remember the companionship and love we all shared. Thank you, Bill.

    Short URL:
  • Larry Huelsman

    Bill played pickle ball with our senior group at Marion Dehl rec center. We will miss his smile & play.

    Short URL:
  • George Michie

    As Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Charlotte, in the 1970’s, I remember Bill as a dedicated committed Big Brother to a needy young boy from a single parent family.

    Short URL:
Load More