12/09/2025
William Coalter Paxton, Jr.
William Coalter Paxton, Jr., a lifetime resident of Wilson, died on December 7, 2025. Coalter was predeceased by his parents, William Coalter and Ethel Battle Paxton, daughter, Harriette Dewey Paxton, and brother, Augustus Winniett Peters. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 65 years, Webber Bell Paxton, son William Coalter Paxton III (Caroline), and daughter Elizabeth Paxton Black; grandchildren, William Coalter Paxton IV (Payton), John Bratton Parker, Jr., Grace Rumsey Paxton, Josephine Paxton Parker, Thomas Webber Paxton, and James Hillary Black III ; great grandchildren, William Coalter Paxton V and Jack Perry Paxton. He is also survived by his sister, Sallie Paxton Smyth, and six nephews, Paxton Peters, Walston Peters, Tom Peters, Hall Smyth, Adam Smyth and Ben Smyth.
Coalter was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church in Wilson and served as a member of the diaconate. He graduated from Episcopal High School and received a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity.
After college, while serving in the Army Reserves, he began a career in banking, working first at BB&T and then Southern National Bank, where he was Vice President.
In 1988, Coalter purchased a bonded warehouse business in Wilson and formed Paxton Bonded Storages, Inc. specializing in cotton warehousing. His career in the cotton business spanned four decades and he served on the boards of the Cotton Warehouse Association of America and the National Cotton Council.
Old cars were his passion, particularly ones from the 1950s, and over the years, he owned some beautifully restored ones that he loved to take on Sunday drives, and whisk away newly married couples after their wedding. In his earlier years, he was very meticulous about their yard, and frequently won “Yard of the Month” at their home on Lakeside Drive. Known for his green thumb, Coalter enjoyed planting summer vegetables for family and friends in his bountiful garden. He was a force on the tennis courts in the 70’s and 80’s and coordinated and played in city wide tournaments.
Coalter, affectionately known as Poppi by his family, and as Goatman by his friends, had a wonderful sense of humor, a unique wit and an infectious smile. He entertained his family with his funny antics and wonderful expressions. He had an outgoing, gregarious personality, and he shared a special bond with his beloved dachshund, Fritz.
A Visitation will be held Friday, December 12, at 1007 Woodland Drive from 5pm to 7pm.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 13, at 11a.m. at First Presbyterian Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O.Box 3184, Wilson, NC 27895..
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Sheryl Burks, Lisa Strayhorn, Barabara Flora and Gale Barnes.
Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.
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