William "Bill" Henry Poindexter, 94, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, following a recent fall at his home at Creekside Terrace Retirement Community. True to his independent spirit, Bill continued living on his own until the final weeks of his life.

Born on October 25, 1931, in Forsyth County, NC, Bill was the son of William and Cleo Ziglar Poindexter. Through his mother, he was part of a family with deep Moravian roots in Winston-Salem. He was baptized in the Moravian Church and took great pride in the rich history of the Ziglar family, whose ancestors were among the early Moravian settlers. His grandparents' home stood in what is now Historic Old Salem, giving him a lifelong appreciation for the community's unique heritage.

Bill was the fifth of six children and spent a brief time living in Baltimore after his mother remarried his beloved stepfather, Thomas Miller. Following his service in the United States Navy, Bill spent time in San Diego with his older sister, Iris Mae Moser, who had postponed her own education to help raise Bill and his younger brother. Their bond remained one of the great blessings of his life, and he loved and admired her until her passing.

After graduating from Hanes High School, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he studied aviation electronics. During the Korean War, he served aboard the USS Oriskany, an experience that remained a source of pride throughout his life.

Following his military service, Bill built a long career with Piedmont Airlines as an electrician, retiring after many years of dedicated service. While he was proud of his work, it was the friendships he formed there that meant the most. An avid golfer, he treasured the companionship of his Piedmont golf buddies and continued to play with them for many years after retirement.

Bill found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an accomplished square dancer and longtime member of the Quadrille Club, where he enjoyed countless evenings of dancing and friendship. He loved country music, woodworking, and took enormous pride in keeping his lawn immaculate. He enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and was rarely happier than during trips to Las Vegas, Tunica, and Cherokee.

More than anything, Bill loved people. He was devoted to his family, fiercely loyal to his friends, and happiest when surrounded by those he cared about. He was known for being both stern and kind – a man whose expectations were high, whose word could be counted on, and whose generosity was often expressed through quiet acts rather than grand gestures. In his later years, he embraced a new chapter of life at Creekside Terrace Retirement Community, where he formed treasured friendships, especially with Wynona Fox, whose companionship brought him great happiness.

Bill shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Charlene Grace Meade Poindexter, who preceded him in death in 2019. Though he missed her deeply, the love they shared remained evident to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Teresa "Terri" Poindexter-Smith (Tim) of Waxhaw, NC; Carol Poindexter Burnette (Rock) of Winston-Salem, NC; and Elizabeth "Beth" Poindexter Jones of Winston-Salem, NC.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: William Michael Utt (Amy) of Waxhaw, NC; Rodney Daryl Burnette (Leah) of Kijabe, Kenya; Jacob Paul Burnette (Lauren) of Rossville, GA; Coty Shawn Jones (Rob Hartley) of Charlotte, NC; and Taylor Grace Denham (Stephen) of Oklahoma City, OK.

His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren: Gabriel Hunter Burnette, Eden Michelle Burnette, Silas James Burnette of Kijabe, Kenya; Ashlynn Pippa Utt and Walker Maverick Utt of Waxhaw, NC; Zeb Moses Burnette and Fisher Felix Burnette of Rossville, GA, and Knox Leland Denham of Oklahoma City, OK.

In addition to his beloved wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, and his siblings: Neuma "Dex" Poindexter, Alvin "Red" Poindexter, Iris Mae Moser, Hassell "Bud" Poindexter, and Ronald "Ronnie" Poindexter.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. at J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home, 10301 N.C. Highway 109, Winston-Salem, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the mountains of West Virginia, the childhood home of his wife, Charlene.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF): https://www.macular.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/memorial-donation.pdf.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of Creekside Terrace Retirement Community for the kindness, friendship, and care they shared with Bill during the final years of his life. They also extend a special thanks to Julie and Jimila, nurses who lovingly cared for Bill at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Whitney at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

A life well lived is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the lives it touches. Bill's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends who loved him, and the quiet example of loyalty, humility, and steadfast love that he leaves behind.