William Kase Diehl Jr.

William Kase Diehl, Jr.
October 4, 1944 - December 9, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina - William K. Diehl Jr., 78, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully Friday, December 9, 2022.
Born October 4, 1944 in Norfolk, Va., he was the son of the late William K. Diehl Sr. and Dorothy Virginia Hebert Diehl.
Bill Diehl graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1966 and the University of Virginia Law School in 1969. He came to Charlotte and began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Mecklenburg County.
In 1969, he joined the law firm of Herbert, James, and Williams law firm while working part time as an assistant district attorney in Mecklenburg Country. The firm became James, McElroy and Diehl where he practiced until retirement in 2016. During his 46 years practicing law, Bill became one of the preeminent lawyers in North Carolina and the country.
Known for hard work, attention to detail and meticulous preparation, it was as a trial attorney where he built his reputation and career.
With his long red hair, stout build and flamboyant style, Bill passionately represented his clients including a virtual who's who of well-known Charlotteans including Bruton Smith, Rick Hendrick, George Shinn, Ric Flair, Michael Jordan, Dell Curry and many, many others including the Bhagwan Shree Raineesh.
His passion for law was equaled by his passion for entertainment, the arts, sports, and sailing.
He was a fixture in Charlotte's social scene, attending every Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets game for decades, never missing a new play or show, restaurant opening or other cultural events.
He was also an incredible family man and is survived by his son William (Bill) K. Diehl III (JoBrent), daughter, Catherine (Caki) Virginia Diehl, grandson William (Kase) K. Diehl IV, granddaughter Laney Diehl, and his former wife Catherine Lane Diehl.
He was the oldest of six siblings scattered across the country. JoAnne Diehl, Fred Diehl (Debbie), Jim Diehl (Elaine), Bette Jane Ruppert (Jake), and Danny Diehl.
Bill was an avid sailor and loved spending time along the Carolina coast; first in Ocean Isle, NC and eventually in Charleston, SC.
A memorial to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 28, 2023 in the Belk Chapel of Queens University. A reception will follow.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247 or to KinderMourn, 1320 Harding Place, Charlotte, NC 28204.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.