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Asheville— William Scott Thayer Holcomb, 95, passed away peacefully on February 25th, 2024. He was born in San Bernardino, California on December 26, 1928.

Bill served as a journalist in the United States Navy from 1945-1948. After serving, he attended the University of New Mexico where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (1954). He married Margaret Holcomb in 1954, whom he met while attending UNM. Bill’s working career was in education, which spanned over 44 years, mainly as a high school special education instructor. After his first teaching job in New Mexico, Bill moved to Illinois where he got his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University (1960). He continued teaching in the Illinois school system until retiring from full-time teaching in Waukegan, IL. He moved his family to Tryon, North Carolina, where he planned to enjoy his retirement. Although happily retired, he returned to the classroom from time to time as a substitute teacher.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret Emily Holcomb, Asheville, NC; daughter Erin Raphael (Tom), Minneapolis, MN; son Scott Holcomb, Chico, CA; son Dano Holcomb (Julie), Asheville, NC; daughter Leila Thompson, Durham, NC; daughter Vida Gorbell (Ryan), Boca Raton, Fl; 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. 

Bill’s hobbies were reading books, acting in plays at the Tryon Little Theater, hiking, listening to classical music, politics and collecting coins. He was an active member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) for much of his life and was a peace activist. Bill was involved in Polk County and national politics. He was an intellect and a great storyteller and enjoyed sharing his deep worldly knowledge and historical facts. His favorite thing to do was sitting on the porch with his wife, Margot, reading a book, listening to classical music, and watching the mountains.

 

Dano Holcomb
Asheville, NC