Bill P. Penland

He fought a long battle with cancer and passed away at home while in the care of hospice and his loving family and friends.

A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Ralph D. and Gussie P. Penland.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara G. Penland of the home; two sons, Billy G. Penland of the McCune Center in Black Mountain, Joe C. Penland and wife Cindy of Asheville; two step-sons, Danny Frye and wife Debbie of Fletcher, Gary Edwards and wife Kimberly of Matthews; four step-daughters, Diana Hyatt and husband Dallas of Asheville, Sherry Hare and husband Evan of Arden, Brenda Christopher of Fletcher, Tammy Butler and husband Ricky of Mills River. He is also survived by three brothers, Richard Penland and wife Elizabeth of Arden, his twin brother, Bob Penland and wife Patsy of Asheville, Gary Penland and wife Doris of Enka; two sisters, Marian Reynolds and husband Bill of Swannanoa, Pat Reese of Asheville; 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Virginia S. Penland; four brothers, Edward, Don, Joe and Carl Penland and one sister, Jane Thompson.

He was a member of Sunnyview Baptist Church and will always be remembered for his generosity and love that he showed to his family and friends. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. He was employed by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s department in 1970 and served through the term of Sheriff Harry Clay. He was then rehired by Sheriff Tom Morrissey and soon became the first Chief of Police for the town of Woodfin, where he served until 1975. After working with the Woodfin Police Department, he owned and operated several small businesses.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian conducted by the Rev. Donald Hare. Burial will be in the Penland Family Cemetery on School Road.

The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 pm Friday at the funeral home on Long Shoals Road and at other times will be at the home of Mrs. Barbara Penland, 2 Maple Lane, Skyland.