William H. Friend, Jr., age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born on January 1, 1933, Bill lived a long, full life marked by curiosity, creativity, and deep devotion to family.

Bill grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where he was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While attending the Institute of Paper Chemistry, he met a beautiful redhead named Debbie who would become the love of his life. Their romance had one small complication—Bill was 23 and Debbie was just 17. In order to receive Debbie’s father’s blessing, the couple agreed to spend a full year apart, communicating only through letters and phone calls. Their patience paid off. They married in 1959 and shared 61 wonderful years together before Debbie preceded him in death in 2020.

Bill built a successful career with Union Camp’s Research & Development Department, where his innovative mind flourished. His work allowed him to travel the world, earn numerous company awards, and contribute to several patents, including advancements in removing chlorine from the paper bleaching process.

In 1987, Bill and Debbie moved to The Landings in Savannah, Georgia, where they built their dream home—one Bill designed himself. After retiring in the 1990s, Bill turned his attention to new challenges and passions. Among them was designing the first version of the house check routing system for The Landings, combining his technical skills with his love of problem-solving.

Music became another joyful chapter of his life. Bill and Debbie sang together in the choir at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and Bill joined the 13th Colony Sound Barbershop Chorus. Barbershop music quickly became one of his greatest passions. During his time with the chorus he held many leadership positions, including serving as President. He built sets for their annual shows, developed a system for collecting Barbershop Valentines, and designed a program to help route the quartets during the popular Valentine performances.

Bill also loved spending time on the golf course and proudly celebrated achieving a hole-in-one.

At the age of 70, Debbie gave Bill dancing lessons, which opened the door to yet another shared adventure and brought them endless joy. They became members of the Penguin Club, where they loved getting gussied up and dancing the night away together.

Those who knew Bill will remember his sharp mind, inventive spirit, and deep love for Debbie and the life they built together. His legacy lives on through his daughter and the many lives he touched through his kindness, creativity, and music.

After sixty-one years together, it is easy to imagine Debbie waiting for Bill once more—perhaps with a tux and a pair of dancing shoes ready—so they can step back onto the floor together and dance the night away again.