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BORN
1947
DIED
2024
William Frierson Obituary
Bill began shaping surfboards in 1967, and later acquired Wave Riding Vehicles with his partner Les Shaw, which became the largest surfboard manufacturer on the East Coast. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in the East Coast Surfing Championship, as well as the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour. After many successful years at WRV, he semi-retired and started a smaller operation, Frierson Designs, where he did custom shapes and woodworking. He was inducted into the ECSC Legends Hall of Fame, the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame as well as the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame. In addition to surfing, he had a love for music and enjoyed playing local charity events in his band ‘Ray and the Ultraviolets'.
Bill is survived by his wife Grace, siblings Robert Frierson (Kathy) and Sally Faulkner (Bill), his daughter Katherine Michaels (Stephan), and three grandchildren Ellie, Athena and Liam Michaels. There will be a Celebration of Life hosted at the Princess Anne Country Club on February 16th from 2pm-5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be given to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Frierson
Sponsored by the family.
Jack freeman
August 30, 2025
So sorry to hear about Bill. My sincere condolences go to Grace and family. He shaped a perfect board for me. I used to see him down on 61st Street Early in the morning checking at the surf..
Bogie Singleton
August 13, 2025
Bill influenced many to seek out that perfect board.
Bob Perry
August 7, 2024
I awoke this morning having dreamt about the Frierson family, which led to this search. I'm saddened to find that "Billy" is gone. For context, we were best buds throughout the few years his family lived in PA, played the same sports, and were never far from uncontrollable laughter. Their move to Va. Beach left a void that no other friend ever really filled. Truly one of a kind, and a blessing to this world. RIP, Billy.
br
March 3, 2024
im sorry to hear about Bill.
I did work for him and I'll miss him.
Good Fellow
Danny Johnson
February 17, 2024
Bill was such a unique human being
He will be missed.
Danny Johnson
Michael Garcia
February 15, 2024
Grace and Family,
Our deepest condolences for your lost. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you love.
Aloha Bill,
Michael Garcia and Family
Bill and Lendy Pendleton
February 10, 2024
First, after I found out Bill was ill, I had a dream in which he looked just like he does in the the picture above. I truly believe that God restored Bill to complete wholeness when he transitioned from this life to the next.
Though I went to school with Grace, our lovely Homecoming Queen at First Colonial, I didn´t spend time with Bill and Grace until we all lived on the Outer Banks in the early 70´s. Along with Randy Friel, we´d surf and then play music at Bill´s shop at night. One of the most fun things we did was make ice cream with an old hand crank machine. We´d play tunes and whoever wasn´t singing and playing, that person was cranking. My sister, Jeanne and John Parker were part of the gang also.
I credit Bill with getting me back into long boarding. After the 60´s and early 70´s, most us just rode short boards until I tried a couple of Bill´s WRV longboards. I, obviously, was hooked. Other longboards that I tried just didn´t have the "feel" and maneuverability of Bill´s boards. I told Bill on several occasions to consider how many people he had made happy over the years because of his craftsmanship - countless.... This might sound like hyperbole but Bill actually helped people surf better which, in essence, literally made their lives better.
I certainly echo the sentiments others have expressed - above all, Bill was just a great guy. As I said in a Facebook post, with Bill´s passing, there is a hole in the heart of the Virginia Beach community that is impossible to fill. God created only one "Bill Frierson." If you knew Bill, you were blessed. Love to all.
David Paranzino
January 31, 2024
So sorry I haven´t seen you for a few years. Always enjoyed coming by the shop and jamming upstairs. Part of the beach scene is gone without you Bill. Condolences to Grace and your family.
Lesley Ann Warren
January 31, 2024
I met Katie and roomed with her at Mount Vernon College in 1987-88. We became fast friends. I went home with her twice to Virginia Beach, once for the holidays, and once after school let out for the summer. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to be around her beautiful parents, Bill and Grace. They were the coolest couple and parents I had ever met. They welcomed me like I was a part of their family. Bill referred to me as "earth mama" or something like that. I wish I could remember his exact words, but they made me feel really good, and I felt his description of me represented who I was and wanted to be.
I admired them all so much, and I still do.
I have followed WRV on Facebook for years hoping to reconnect with Katie. And I found out through FB that Bill passed away.
I´m sending my deepest condolences to Katie, Grace, his grandchildren, and all of his family and friends.
May you all find comfort and peace during this sad time.
With Much Love -
Lesley Warren
Linwood Hines
January 31, 2024
I met Bill at BWWRV back in ~1968. What a great guy! He brought me so much joy with the boards he shaped for many years - the last one from Frierson Designs about 10 years ago. Thank you for the great waves for all of my life, Bill! Godspeed to your new life!
John Parker
January 29, 2024
We started out as friends over 59 years ago, quickly became brothers and soon after that, family. Will so miss your depth and insight, your humor, your kindness and your awe for the universe around you. As it is known that no matter what happens to us physically, after death our energy remains, always. How you will manifest that is the great mystery but one thing is for sure, your energy is unmatched and will always embody a force to be admired and respected. And yes, you will definitely remain reliant on Grace´s energy in the future to keep you in check! Aloha Spam Spitoon
Your brother, Roger Ramjet
(Sorry folks, inside nicknames we had since North Shore `69)
Oh yeah, and leave the light on for the rest of us
Lee Entsminger
January 29, 2024
My sincere condolences to Grace and the whole family. Bill and I were in the Naval Reserves together, attending meetings at the Little Creek Base. We managed to surf together a few times. I will always be grateful for knowing Bill. And I will continue to treasure the Frierson Designs board he made for me.
CD Thomas
January 29, 2024
Rest in great peace & fond memories Good Sir Dude Bill Frierson. Ms. Grace, Bill was one of a kind and will be missed by all, whether they know him or not and certainly be missed by you and his greater family at the CoVB and far beyond. Each surfer's play-tool was hand made after lengthy discussions w/clients and his core-interest to find and maintain the balance between art-piece, final form, and expected function. At one of the pre-ECSC meetings at Paul West's home in Croatan a couple of decades ago by now, there was a swirling gaggle of staff, judges, and other support folks in attendance - akin to studio musicians fumbling around, and then Bill walked in like the Boss (Bruce Springsteen) and only then did the chaos cease and coherent 'music' begin to flow into the successful running of and eventual conclusion of that year's annual end-of-summer gathering of the coastal East Coast tribes for celebration of our common surfing/beach-life culture and the greater glory of Mother Ocean.
An Icon was Bill Frierson, yes he was/is/will forever be. Aloha Nui-Loa Good Sir Dude William (Bill) Frierson and a Billy-board will be beneath my feet on the next visit to the church of the open-ocean in your memory and hopeful comedic enjoyment by you above.
Tim Hoggard
January 28, 2024
I met Bill in 1971 at his little shop in Kitty Hawk. He was a hero to us local gremmies. Always had a supportive word to share. He never changed. I will miss our reminiscing about the good old days on the Outer Banks. My sincere condolences to Grace and family. Rest in peace my friend.
john crowling
January 28, 2024
Now Billy has to take care of Ronnie Mellott.
Skye Henderson
January 26, 2024
A great man, and a true inspiration; the man Bob Holland told me was "First Class". Aloha Bill.
Ernie Sawyer
January 26, 2024
A gentleman and a true friend whose smile always made the day a little better . A great loss for us all . Miss you Bill . Condolences to the family.
Barb Chegin
January 26, 2024
Bill Frierson, a true LEGEND. Rest in Peace.
Ron Davenport
January 26, 2024
I've known Bill for most of my life. He was simply an awesome Individual. His passing deeply saddens me. My sincere condolences to his family.
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