William "Bill" Vance Trantham, 74

William "Bill" Vance Trantham, 74, of Fletcher died Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

He was born in Henderson County on May 4, 1940, to the late Hubert Vance Trantham and Margaret Wineferd Watkins Trantham. He was also preceeded in death by his cousin, Conrad Watkins.

Mr. Trantham was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master's Degree in education. "Bill" began teaching in the Henderson County School system in 1962 and taught elementary education for the next 35 years, retiring in 1997. He attended Fletcher First Baptist Church.

He enjoyed geneolgy not only of his ancestors but also enjoyed helping people at "Old Buncombe" every Monday searching for their roots as well. He spent countless hours cataloging the history that will be cherished for generations of Western North Carolina families.

Survivors include many, many special friends including: Jeff Smith and wife, Pamela and their children, Savannah and Branson; Shirley Cunningham, Arlene Watkins and her daughters, Connie Stewart, Angela Brumfield, Kelly Franklin and her husband, Rodney; Vickie and Francis Wilder all of Hendersonville; Mike Brown of Asheville, Buddy Gosnell of Charlotte. Other survivors include numerous cousins and not to be forgotten, he is also survived by his loving pets Baby and Boy.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, at Patty's Chapel Cemetery in Fletcher conducted by Reverend Roy Waldroup and Reverend Norris Wright.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Patty's Chapel Cemetery c/o Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.