Charles Johnson "Bill" Satterwhite

1920 - 2022

Charles "Bill" Johnson Satterwhite
March 7, 1920 - May 7, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina - The brightest bluebird of all has fledged his earthly home at the age of 102. Bill/Papa Bill/Bluebird Man was a gentle, loving man who treasured his family, friends, and nature. After 45+years as an X-Ray Technologist (42 yrs at Rex Hospital), he enjoyed golf and tinkering but found his real passion as a Master Gardener and bluebird conservationist. He educated hundreds about rebuilding the bluebird population via school, scout, garden club, and countless other presentations. Bill built 20 bluebird trails around the county, constructing and erecting most of the 160 nest boxes himself and built well over 100 boxes for individuals.
Taking on many leadership roles, Bill was president of the NC Soc. of Radiologic Technicians twice, served on the board of directors of the NC Bluebird Soc., founded Bluebirders of Wake, and received distinguished service awards from the City of Raleigh, the bluebird Society, and from Wake County. He received numerous certificates for contributions to civic organizations and schools. In 2017, Bill received the William C. Friday Award at NCSU for distinguished service in retirement. He contributed over 1000 volunteer hours at the Raulston Arboretum as a Master Gardener. On 5/14/22, Bill received the NC Bluebird Society Hall of Fame Lifetime Dedication Award posthumously.
Bill met the love of his life, Jeanne, who predeceased him, at Rex when she was a student nurse. He is survived by his children: Billie Jeanne (Charlie McCurry), Charles (Judy Moyer), and Peggy (Joe Loia), grandchildren: Sarah Haithcock (Mike), Rachel Thomas, Paul Davis, Martin Thomas (Shannon), Austin Davis (Esme), Laura Thomas, Vann Davis (Samantha), Alan Satterwhite, Brian Satterwhite, and Molly Thomas (Dylan Stone), and great grandchildren: Will, Liza, Caroline, Charlie, Millie Mac, Avery, Claire, and Virginia. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Fairmont United Methodist Church in Raleigh on May 27, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation following. Donations can be made to Fairmont UMC, 2501 Clark Ave. 27607, or the NC Bluebird Society, c/o Chuck Brewer, Treasurer, 3900 Bamburgh Lane, Apex, NC 27539. Most importantly, please honor Bill's legacy by enjoying nature and joining any effort that will conserve our living things, especially his precious bluebirds!