William Allen Burgin

William Allen Burgin, 71, of Asheville, passed away at his home on May 8, 2016, after a long illness. Friends and family will be received for visitation at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, May 14th in the chapel of the Groce Funeral Home, 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 P.M. Bill is welcomed into the arms of our sweet Lord by his father and mother, the late James Fredrick and Gladys Burgin, of Black Mountain; his older brother, the late James Fredrick Burgin Jr., of Leicester; and his loving wife of 44 years, the late Linda Schell Burgin, of Asheville. His loss is borne by his two daughters, Connie Harris, of Philadelphia, PA, and Holly Burgin (husband, Jeremy Spivey), of Raleigh, NC; his sister, Joy Hughes (husband Terry), of Black Mountain, NC; and his brother, John Burgin (wife Kathy), of Black Mountain, NC. He left a wonderful living legacy of three grandchildren, Caroline and Zachary Famous, of Philadelphia, and Luke Spivey, of Raleigh. He was a graduate of Charles D. Owen High School, and a BA Alumnus of UNCA. He was a USAF veteran, who served in France, Germany, Spain, Libya, Eritrea, Holland, Norway, and a host of other states and countries. Bill was a retired textile supervisor, and small businessman. He loved fishing and spending time with his grandson, Zach, was an avid fan of his granddaughter, Caroline, and was very proud of his baby grandson, Luke. He was an avid reader, student of the world, and history buff. He especially loved local history. His quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, talented storytelling, and quiet comforting wisdom will be sorely missed. We cannot imagine a world without Bill. Mercifully, a lifetime of memories sees to it that we do not have to.