William “Bill” Joseph Schoenen, Sr.

William “Bill” Joseph Schoenen, Sr., 85, of Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, July 28 2026.

Born in German Settlement of Westphalia, Missouri on October 10 1940, he was the son of German catholic dairy farmers Clarence Anthony Schoenen, Sr. and Balbina Theresa Rackers Schoenen.

Bill was the baby of eight children. His early life was spent farming, managing cattle, loving the 50 plus barn cats and attending catholic school. He came to North Carolina at 20 years old, arriving at the bus station on Labor Day weekend in 1960 with a single suitcase and $50. He used to tell that he still had most of it left.

He began working for his brother at Western Carolina Hatcheries and made many friends. After befriending Priscilla Patton of the Oak Hill community, he fell in fast with her brothers and friends. With our heavy southern Baptist culture, many had never met a Catholic and they quickly nick-named him "The Pope.”

He and Priscilla married in December of 1962. Together they had so much fun at Lake James entertaining their family and friends. Lots of weekends were spent camping or on the boat house. He loved the outdoors, and he fished and deer hunted all of his life. Bill was a self-starter and had many life adventures. He was a district manager with Southern Life Insurance, founded Schoenen Pool & Spa in Morganton, and later in life worked as a satellite installer/trainer. Bill finished his career with Schoenen Trucking, yet another company he started.

He was a former Jaycee, served on the Burke County Zoning board, and was a member of Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church of Morganton. He was an avid follower of politics, Nascar, could read a book in a day, and would stay up all hours of the night watching the world series.

Bill was a character who loved to entertain friends and family, sing, and listen to Honkey Tonk and Bluegrass music. He has inspired generations to adore Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Sr., and lots of fast-pickin banjo! His greatest joys were his grandsons who spent so much time with him at the Toe River, Beech Mountain, and the family cabin at Table Rock.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank Schoenen, Sr. (Rosemary), Rosemary Schoenen Buersmeyer (Herb), CA Schoenen, Jr. (Connie), Dr. Robert Schoenen, Helen Schoenen Taft (Dr. Jim), and Doris Schoenen Forck (Mark); brother-in-law, Dr. Hamid Parsa; sister-in-law, Evelyn Patton Beck; and brother-in-law, Bobby Patton (Mabel).

He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Priscilla; children, William “Billy” J. Schoenen, Jr. and Amy Schoenen Avery (Richard); grandchildren, Raleigh Avery (Malea), Judge Avery, and Elizabeth Avery; sister, Ruth Schoenen Parsa; sister-in-law, Carada Patton Hood (John David); brothers-in-law, Ben Patton (Sue), Roger Patton (Pansy); and David Patton (Maxine); and so many preciously nick-named nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow at 3 p.m. in the church with Pastor Rick Leissner officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church or to Amorem Hospice.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.