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William Self Obituary

Dr. William C. Self
WILMINGTON -- Dr. Self, 90, of Wilmington, NC, passed away suddenly Thursday, September 16, 2010, at his home.
He was born in Newton, NC, on January 6, 1920, son of the late Riley Lee Self and Macie Grigg Self. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Huggins Self and sisters Ruby Smith and Mable Finger.
Dr. Self served in the United States Navy from 1941 to 1946. He filled many posts as an educator, most notably as the superintendent of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System from 1967 to 1972. He retired in 1982 as Dean of Education at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.
In 2004 he was the recipient of the prestigious Razor Walker Award. He was the recipient of the Doctor of Letters from Chapel Hill and in 2001 he received the Alumni Achievement Award from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education.
Surviving are his daughter, Leslie Odess and husband Mitch of Wilmington, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2010, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel.
The family will also receive friends at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity Church in Hickory, NC, on Thursday, September 23, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Bob Shoffner. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Hickory.
To reflect on his life, the family uses a quote from Leo Tolstoy, '. . . and there is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness and truth.'
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the 'Bill Self Equity Series for Teacher Scholarships, UNC-Chapel Hill.' (Contact Wendy Borman at: [email protected] )
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.Andrews Market Chapel Service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for William Self

Not sure what to say?





Edward Mathis

November 22, 2010

Sincerest Condolences,

September 21, 2010

Dearest Leslie
You and I had a wonderful childhood - but no memories more precious than the times together with Dear Hilda, Sweet Bill and Blackie - yes, Blackie. Your Dad was truly a Gentle Soul - and now Heaven has one more Gentle Angel. I miss you and I will miss him with you. I love you . c

Bob & Kitty Watson

September 21, 2010

We always enjoyed the times we shared with Bill. A life well lived leaves its gentle pattern on the hearts they touch. You & yoour family are our prayers.
Bob & Kitty

Marc Sosne

September 21, 2010

As one of Bill's first graduate students at Chapel Hill, and later in life as a colleague and friend, I am deeply moved by Bill's passing. He was a great man, he embodied integrity, he was a dedicated educator. Bill's wry wit and profound wisdom helped shape my career. He will truly be missed by many of us.

September 19, 2010

To Leslie Self,
Reading the Charlotte Observer saw where your dad Dr.William Self pass away. I had remembered even after all these years he was the superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Hope you do remember me we graduated from East Mecklenburg class of 64. You drove the little Mercury "Callanta" and I was thinking you lived right below the school near Larry Price? My wife Loretta, Loretta Finlayson, said she went to Wingate with you. She is a Harding 64 grad. Email me some time [email protected] or Facebook, Bill Tompkins. I am sorry for the loss of you dad he was quite an accomplished and respected man. I will pray for peace in you heart. Your old high school friend. Bill Tompkins "64"

Tom Harris

September 19, 2010

As a member of the CMS Board of Education ('70 - '78} it was my good fortune to know such a gentleman as Dr. Self. My deepest sympathy is extended to the family.

September 19, 2010

Leslie and family,
Our deepest sympathy during this most difficult time. Your father was a truly wonderful and caring man. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Mary Ann (Self) Bowers

Joseph M. "Joe" Clark

September 19, 2010

Bill's Family, I was on the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee when Bill came to the system. Bill and his predecessor were in the fore front of the consolidation of the Charlotte- Mecklenburg Systems as well as the desegration of the school systems. I was also involved at Sardis Presbyterian Church when he became a member there and he later built a home about 1 block away from our house in Sherwood Forest. He was a calm respected leader who wanted what was best for our community. Regardless of age, health, or any other circumstance we are never ready to lose our loved ones. Our only comfort comes from a real Faith in the Sovereignty of God and the manifested concern of caring friends. We are thinking of you. Joe and Zunita Clark

September 19, 2010

A TRUE GENTLEMAN IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD! NOTHING BUT GOOD MEMORIES AND GRATITUDE FOR HAVING KNOWN HIM.
J. EDWARD CRUTCHFIELD JR CHARLOTTE

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