Bill grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from R. J. Reynolds High School in 1938. He attended Draughn's Business School and worked for his father at E. H. Petree Electric Co. for two years. Encouraged by the Rev. Douglas Rights, his minister at Trinity Moravian Church, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill with the help of a loan from the Winston-Salem Foundation and graduated in 1944. Bill married Lena Winston Morris on Dec. 23, 1943, and enlisted in the Marines during his final college year. He graduated from Officer Candidates School as a Second Lieutenant and was sent to Saipan Island on active duty. He was in occupied Japan in 1946. While he was overseas his first child was born. Inspired by an attorney he met in the service, Bill attended UNC Law School and graduated in the fall of 1948. While in law school, his second child was born. Bill began his law practice with the firm of Ratcliff, Vaughn, Hudson and Ferrell in 1948 and later served as managing partner for a number of years. The law firm became Petree Stockton before it merged with an Atlanta firm to become Kilpatrick Stockton. Bill was a counselor and adviser to clients, fellow lawyers and young attorneys. He was one of the earliest tax practitioners in North Carolina and was active in the Bar for over 50 years. In addition to his law practice, Bill volunteered in civic and charitable activities. At Home Moravian Church he served on the boards of elders and trustees, taught Sunday school and played in the Moravian band for 62 years. He served as chairman of the board of the Trustees for the Moravian Church, Southern Province. He was on the founding board of the Moravian Home Inc. (now Salemtowne) and was active in fund raising and support there until his death. Bill served as president of the Winston-Salem Kiwanis Club and served on the board of Salem Academy and College. One of his most enriching experiences was serving as chairman of the board of the Winston-Salem Foundation. Bill loved his family, his church, work, friends, fishing and travel.