William Sterling Yoder

May 9, 2025
CHARLOTTE - William Sterling Yoder, 73, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on May 9, 2025. He was born on September 30, 1951 in Hopewell, Virginia.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism, Bill began his professional journey as a reporter for a small newspaper, driven by a passion for storytelling and truth. He later worked in Communications for Duke Power before embarking on an entrepreneurial path, owning and operating a small packing and shipping business.
Bill found joy and peace in nature and community. He treasured time at Emerald Isle, NC, and found adventure in kayaking the Catawba River. An avid cyclist, he enjoyed countless rides with his friends in the Gaston County Cyclists group. His love for the outdoors was matched by his artistic spirit, often expressed through photography and mixed-media art projects.
Above all, Bill cherished his family. He was a devoted father and proud grandfather who could often be found cheering from the sidelines of his grandchildren's sporting events or simply spending time in their company.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Marion Yoder and Hallie Claiborne Yoder; his brother, Harry Lee Yoder; and his beloved son, Christopher William Yoder. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Marian Yoder and Elizabeth Yoder Gilliam; his daughter, Lauren Yoder Sawyers (Jeff); his son, David Andrew Yoder (Shayna); his grandchildren, Luke William Sawyers, Madeline Eloise Sawyers, Emily Ann Sawyers, and Cyrus James Yoder; and his niece, Jo Miller.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, with a reception to follow in the Welcome Center. The service will also be streamed live.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill's memory to , a local nonprofit dedicated to advocating for safer bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure-causes close to his heart.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.