William Fitzhugh Williams Massengale
December 31, 2022
Chapel Hill, North Carolina - William Fitzhugh Williams Massengale, known to those who loved him as Bill or Willie, died December 31st 2022 at the age of 73 from heart disease. Born in Texas, Bill moved to Chapel Hill at the age of two where he was raised, and later returned to raise his own family.
Preceded in death by his father Robert Massengale, mother Rosalie Massengale and older brother Bob Massengale; Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years Sally McLaughlin Massengale, his sons Bob, Johnny and Billy, his daughters-in-law Lily Barberich, Ashley Massengale, Ginny Kirk Andrews, granddaughter Campbell and older brother Tom Massengale.
Bill was an engaged Chapel Hillian, growing up at 7 Cobb Terrace, following the early death of his father in Texas. Bill attended Christ School in Arden, NC where he excelled, and earned a scholarship to Williams College in Massachusetts. After delivering a graduation speech in his inimitable style, Bill sought out adventure, traveling across the country and the globe.
For five years Bill taught history at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, where he met the love of his life, Sally McLaughlin Massengale. He loved that she worked for 25 years at Glenwood Elementary, the school their beloved sons attended. After graduating from UNC Law School, he was hired as an Assistant District Attorney by his dear friend Wade Barber, Jr. Bill later worked in private practice with Barry Winston and Marilyn Ozer. Marilyn and Bill remained law partners until his retirement in 2022, focusing on criminal defense in support of folks from all walks of life. His work ranged from death penalty appellate work across the state, to local cases in Chapel Hill and Orange County. He had an abiding love of friends, family, the wider community, and his dog Ladybug. He met people where and as they were, and frequently left them feeling better for their meeting.
A commemoration to honor Bill will be held Sunday, January 8th, outdoors, at the Forest Theater in Chapel Hill at 2:00 pm. If you would like to, send an email with your favorite memories, photos or thoughts about Bill to [email protected]
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Club Nova in Carrboro.

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

Published by The Herald Sun on Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Massengale

Sponsored by American Cremation & Funeral Service.

9 Entries

Cindy Taylor

November 2, 2024

I was so upset to learn of Bill's death. He was such a caring and loving friend and helped me through many difficult situations. I am so sorry that I didn't know about his death. Of course, I knew Bill as a fellow coworker in the DA's Office but more than a colleague, he was a great friend. Bill's kindness touched many. I am so sorry for the family and will be thinking of all of you.

Cam Tate

March 14, 2024

Bill Massengale, Attorney at Law, was a pleasure to deal with when he called or visited the firm a block away from his in Downtown Chapel Hill where I worked. Mr. Massengale was a busy attorney and had the respect of his peers. Bill is sorely missed.
RIP Bill Massengale,

Cam Tate
Efland NC

Priscilla Dennison

May 25, 2023

Just now seeing of Bill´s passing in the May/June Carolina Alumni Review. Heartbroken for the loss of so many. Sending our love and prayers around a beloved couple and their children.

Jean Connerat-Levine Austin

February 27, 2023

The best example of what a human being should be, He was an outstanding attorney. He will be missed.

Stephanie Yost

January 15, 2023

I am was sorry to hear the news at STM Mass this morning. May God bless you and keep you wrapped in his loving arms. It´s so hard!

Wolff Kirsch

January 9, 2023

Dear Sally & Tom:

It was with a tear in my eye when I learned of Bill's passing. I wanted to recall the important events in our life marked by the Massengale clan.

On Christmas Day 1955, Marie-Claire, who had secured a job as a governess for the Taylor children, had been fired and no longer worked for the family. Marie-Claire called me by phone and we placed the attached advertisement in the Chapel Hill newspaper. The photograph is Marie-Claire as a young French woman applying for a job. Rosalie Massengale needed help and she interviewed Marie-Claire, who was 4 months pregnant with our first-born son Stanley and I had a job as an intern at Memorial Hospital.

It was this experience at Memorial Hospital with professor Dugger, which convinced me to pursue a career in neurosurgery. Marie-Claire proved to be an excellent governess for the Massengale family.

I remember Billy very well asking Marie-Claire if the baby was sleeping, then mischievously asked her to open her mouth and then screamed into it ": "Wake up Baby!"

As the years went by, we followed our careers and punctuated them with visits to Chapel Hill. The relationship with Rosalie, Tom, and Billy grew as the families multiplied and we had wonderful philosophical discussions with Sally and Tom. Chapel Hill was a very important stepping stone in our lives and we celebrated by reuniting our families on special occasions and visits.

We followed the Massengale family into the hills of North Carolina and gained great strength by watching their lives enlarge and do well.

A donation has been made in Billy's honor to Club Nova in Carrboro.

We are truly sorry that we cannot be at the remembrance. We send our love, kind thoughts, and condolences to all of you.

Joanne Damon

Sent Flowers

Donna Weaver

January 5, 2023

Sally and Family,
So very sorry for your loss of your beloved Husband keeping you in my prayers
Donna Comer {Weaver} Cafeteria at Glenwood

Michelle Marcell

January 4, 2023

I didn't know Bill well, but I know he was a wonderful, kind, and generous person. I was referred to Bill by Duncan McMillan after getting a speeding ticket in orange county like a bozo. Bill, hardly knowing me, was as helpful as could be. I just looked back at our emails from that time. Some of my favorite lines from Bill were: "I'm sorry you didn't have a 1957 Plymouth that prevented you from going so fast. Duncan had one a few years back" and "hot dog the case is complete. I'll mail you a certified copy." Bill was a treasure to our NC and legal communities and is already dearly missed.

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