William Thomas Persick

Dr. William "Bill" Thomas Persick of Hiawassee, GA went to be with the Lord on April 12, 2024, only 2 days shy of his 97 th
Birthday. God must have had a special celebration planned for him in Heaven!
Bill was born April 14,1927 in Omaha, Nebraska and was the youngest of the 4 children born to the late Frank and
Martha Persick. After the passing of his mother when he was 11, Bill was raised at Boys Town with his brother
Francis. It was at Boys Town where Bill learned and developed his love for ceramics and Jesus. Upon graduating from
Boys Town, Bill joined the US Coast Guard and served on several campaigns through the end of WWII. After his time
in the service, he pursued higher education from the State University of New York at Alfred and then received his BS
from the University of Nebraska, his MA degree from Ohio State University and ultimately his PhD in Ceramics from
Ohio State University. Bill was a Professor and Chairman of Art Departments in North Carolina, North Dakota,
Louisiana and finally retiring after 20 years at Jacksonville University where he also founded the Hot Glass Blowing
program, and advanced their Ceramics Program. Throughout his life Bill was a member of several professional art
organizations and exhibited his award-winning glass and ceramic work nationally and internationally.
Bill was married 50 years to his soul mate and love of his life, the late Roberta Persick, who also had her PhD in
ceramics! They were often referred to as the Pair of Docs and did everything together. They raised their family in
Jacksonville Florida and then moved to Hiawassee for their golden years at the ‘turn of the century’ (2000). They
continued their passion for art in their home ceramics studio along the shores of Lake Chatuge. Bill has been an
active member of the Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild and has exhibited and sold his ceramics and served as
a juror at Artworks in Hiawassee. Bill loved the Lord and was an active member at Mountain Presbyterian Church for
over 23 years.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Francis Persick; and his sisters, Martha Kinsley and Katherine
Haas, and wife Roberta Persick.
Surviving Bill are his son, Sterling Persick and wife Debbie of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, his daughter, Leigh Adams and
her husband Mark of Marathon, FL; his 4 grandsons Clay Adams and his wife Maggie, Kyle Adams and his wife Tiffany,
Chase Adams and his wife Holly and Cody Adams; as well as 4 great-grandchildren Weston, Emerson, Braylon and
Aubrie Adams.
For anyone that knew Bill, he was lover of card games, especially Kings in the Corner. He loved to watch sports and
could keep up with scores and records of many teams. He enjoyed feeding the birds every day and chasing off the
squirrels. From his Presbyterian background he had a love for the bagpipes and anything Scottish or Celtic including
the dulcimer. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Paga) and great-grandfather. Bill was funny, kind,
generous and extremely hospitable. Everyone that met Bill, felt welcomed and loved. His mind was sharp as a tack
and lived independently in his own home through his last days.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday April 27th, 3pm at Hiawassee United Methodist Church, in
Hiawassee, GA. All are welcome to join in honoring and celebrating the life of Dr. William Thomas Persick.

Bill specifically mentioned in lieu of flowers, contributions could be made in his honor to any of the following:
Boys Town: PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010 or online at boystown.org/ways-to-give
Artworks: 243 Big Sky Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546 or visit the store & make a purchase of any art, not just his.
Mountain Presbyterian Church: 2945 Young Harris Highway, Blairsville, GA 30512