William Luckenbach Holcomb
Mr. William “Bill” Luckenbach Holcomb, 98, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Surry Community Health Center. Mr. Holcomb was born in his parents’ home on West Elm Street in Mount Airy on February 23, 1927, to Rachel Luckenbach and William Hugh Holcomb. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from Mount Airy High School, and served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Vicksburg at the end of World War II. Following his service, he graduated from North Carolina State College with a degree in textile engineering. After graduating, he began his career as the third generation in the family business, Holcomb Hardware in Mount Airy.
He was a charter member of the Mount Airy Junior Chamber of Commerce and an organizer of the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. He received the Distinguished Service Award as Young Man of the Year in 1958. In 1966, he joined the Rotary Club of Mount Airy and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. Holcomb was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees over the years.
Mr. Holcomb loved boating and spending time at Lake Norman on his Hobie Cat and teaching his grandsons how to sail. He and his wife, Marjorie, enjoyed many cruises all over the world. He was a locksmith, landscape designer, and could fix anything!
In addition to his parents, Mr. Holcomb was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie Benbow Holcomb; his sister, Patti Holcomb Haynes and her husband, William Edward Haynes; and a son-in-law, David Lewis Rowe. He is survived by three children, Inglis Holcomb Rowe of Mount Airy, Denise Holcomb Faw and her husband, the Rev. Thomas McLean Faw, Jr., of Matthews, and Richard Benbow Holcomb of Mount Airy. He is also survived by five grandsons and their wives, the Rev. McLean Luckenbach “Luke” Faw (Kelle), David Locke Rowe (Ocean), Benjamin Taylor Faw (Julia), William Anderson Rowe (Michaela), and Matthew Thomas Faw (Alissa); and thirteen great-grandchildren, Harper, Asher, Ryker, Kallie, Davis, Reagan, Benjamin, Everleigh, Davie, Collins, Sawyer, Amelia, and Fletcher.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Daniel V. Miller, the Rev. Thomas McLean Faw, Jr., and the Rev. McLean Luckenbach “Luke” Faw officiating. A visitation will begin at 2:00 PM in the church parlor. The family wishes to thank the lovely caregivers who helped Mr. Holcomb in his home, at Northern Regional Hospital, and Surry Community Health Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1909 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Joy Christian Fellowship, 11516 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.
