William "Bill" M. Lancaster

Mr. William M. “Bill” Lancaster, age 86, a fifth generation native of Atlanta passed away Saturday, March 24, 2018. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Stribling Lancaster, four children, Sheryl Damken, W.M. “Billy” Lancaster III, Linda Lindsey and Angie Epstien.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  His family was the most important part of his life.  Mr. Lancaster will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.  His congeniality, positive outlook, intelligence, gentle nature and good humor will be long remembered.

Bill was born in 1931 to William M. Lancaster, Sr. and Beatrice Grubbs Lancaster.  He attended public schools in Atlanta, including Boys High School, graduating from Smith High School.  He then attended Georgia Tech and Georgia State University.  He was a lifelong Georgia Tech fan.  He played amateur baseball and basketball for various teams in the Atlanta area.  Following his team sports days Bill became an avid golfer.  He proudly served his country for ten years in the National Guard and United States Army Reserve.   

Mr. Lancaster began his business career with Commercial Union Insurance Company and a Special Agent.  After resigning from Commercial Union, he and his friend Joe Byrd formed Byrd & Lancaster, Inc. Insurance Agency, which they successfully operated for twenty five years.  After Joe’s death, Bill merged the agency with Southern States Insurance and continued his career with Southern States Insurance for another eighteen years. 

Funeral services for Mr. Lancaster will be held at 3 o’clock, Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Covington First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Doctor Douglas Gilreath and Reverend Jan McCoy officiating.  He will be interred at Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM Tuesday at the church prior to the funeral service.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Food Pantry, Covington First United Methodist Church, 1113 Conyers Street, Covington, GA 30014.  J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of the arrangements.  A guest book may be signed on-line www.harwellfuneralhome.com.

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