William M. Transou, Jr.

William M. Transou, Jr., 81, died peacefully at home in Durham, NC on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family. Known to his family and friends as Bill, Billy, and Billy T., he will be missed by all who loved him.

Born on April 29, 1944 to William Monford and Anna Stamps Transou (nee Holderness), Bill grew up in Greensboro, NC with his parents, sister, grandparents and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bill graduated from Guilford College and served in the U.S. Coast Guard & Reserves. He spent many happy years raising his family from his first marriage (Avery) in Salisbury, NC, where he was co-owner of Gray House Inc., a florist and decorative accessories shop. He later moved back to Greensboro, where he married Jann, his wife of more than 40 years.

A loving husband and father, Bill was a gifted storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed Carolina basketball, poker and gin rummy. He was also an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing with lifelong friends and extreme gardening. He was happiest spending time with friends and family, especially during holiday gatherings around his magnificent Christmas trees. No one could decorate a tree like Bill!

An adventurer at heart, Bill would drive for an hour to save five dollars and errands often turned into hours of wandering around Greensboro to check in on family and friends. He was always ready and willing to help. Whether you were stranded on the side of the road, needed a picture hung, or were desperate for a babysitter, Bill would drop what he was doing and head your way with a roll of duct tape in hand. 

The simple things in life meant the most to Bill. He loved his morning (afternoon and evening) coffee – cream and sugar, please. He preferred his Coca-Cola in bottles, and he never said no to bacon or a grilled cheese sandwich. He knew that Yum Yum’s chili dogs were the best. Trips to the grocery store almost always included Pringles and Oreos. Thunderstorms and early mornings at the beach brought a smile to his face, especially when his family was digging their toes in the sand alongside him. And if you hadn’t seen Three Days of the Condor, he made sure you knew all about it!

Bill and Jann were happiest when their loud and boisterous family was all together. There were cantankerous card games, contentious basketball games and matching Christmas pajamas. He loved his grandchildren and spent time teaching them important life skills like how to bait a hook, fly a kite, shoot a gun, or play gin rummy.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet Holderness, his children, Stamps Transou (Emilee), Elizabeth Kernan (Josh), Marimac McLendon (Marc), Gillian Goodman (Rob), Sara Haynes (Keven), Will Horton (Alix), and his beloved grandchildren, Will, Ben, Rebecca, Cameron, Frannie, Peter, and Molly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC, or the Salvation Army.

Lastly, many thanks to staff and nurses at Duke Hospice, Arosa, and Visiting Angels for their exceptional care through the years.