William "Bill" Daniel Lovin

December 16, 1949 - May 05, 2021

Obituary For William "Bill" Daniel Lovin

William (Bill) Daniel Lovin, 71, of Apex, NC, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2021 after a heroic battle with Parkinson’s. He was the son of the late Archibald King Lovin and Mable McNeill Smith Lovin of Red Springs, NC. Bill was born in Laurinburg, NC and attended public schools in Red Springs. He was a 1972 Graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with degrees in Journalism and Film Production (RTVMP). He is survived by his spouse, Jovita S. Mask. As a diver as well, Jovita, shared his passion for the sea and was a partner in his underwater film production.

He is also survived by his sister, Cindy McArthur (Bill) of Houston, TX; niece, Kate Byrd (Matt) of Houston; great niece, Helen and great nephew, Patrick; niece, Meg Dunne (Brad) of Houston and great niece, Vivienne and great nephew, Leo; his brother, Timothy (Tim) Lovin (Shauna) of Pinehurst, NC; nephew, Ryan (Swapna) of Paoli, PA, and great nephew Dev; nephew, Graham (Alli) of Colorado Springs, CO.

Bill worked professionally in television and film production since 1968. Initially working in sports, he traveled to forty-six countries for CBS, NBC, and ABC. Assignments included Olympic Games, skiing, sailing and motorsports as well as numerous documentaries and commercials.

A scuba diver since 1965, he successfully combined diving and filmmaking in the early 1970's, shooting network assignments and eventually producing his own films. Assignments have included whales in Patagonia, an award-winning special on scuba diving children for PBS “Underwater Kids”, spots for Good Morning America with Geraldo Rivera and CBS News. Lovin also shot much of the background footage for the MGM/UA remake of SEA HUNT and shot several shows for explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau. Lovin’s company, Marine Grafics, maintained one of the nation’s five largest libraries of marine and underwater footage during the 1990s.

He was on-camera host of a series of science programs for the 1991-1993 public television seasons. His series, RETURN TO THE SEA, featured real people from all walks of life, exploring the marine environment. Concurrently he produced Oceans Alive! and Seahouse, two award-winning educational series for K-2 and middle/high school students. These series featured over 100 single concept shows designed to support science curricula in schools. These shows remain among the most successful science series ever produced in the US.

Lovin is founder of the EstuaryLIVE internet event begun at the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1997 and continues to produce the event for NOAA. EstuaryLIVE has brought hundreds of scientists and researchers into classrooms, live and interactively via the internet, reaching students across the United States and around the world. In 2008 Lovin created Estuarylive.TV for NOAA, editing the dozens of broadcast programs into short, single concept science videos for use in K-12.

In 2003 he was named an Intel Tech Laureate for his work in devising the concept for the interactive web fieldtrip.

In 2007 Lovin took the idea of the interactive internet event a step further by creating environments for education and professional development for teachers in on-line virtual worlds. He created large installations for United Star Distance Learning Consortium (USDLC), North Carolina Virtual Public Schools and NC State University in the virtual world of Second Life.

Bill served on the DAN (Divers Alert Network) from 1991-1996. He produced a film about diving safety narrated by his boyhood hero Lloyd Bridges. He also presented his films at Festivals in the US and Canada.

In addition to his underwater work, he served at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction producing educational films and videos. What was intended to be an 18-month job turned into 20 years. That 20 years was a testament to the colleagues who became wonderful friends, all dedicated to making education the best it could be.

His work with the education system was the driving force behind his decision to create the website www.OceanArchives.com The site has all of his underwater films and videos which are accessible at no charge for educators, students and anyone interested in seeing the underwater world. Bill had the unusual qualities of being both creative and technically knowledgeable. After his first scuba dive, he knew he had to create films that would encourage people to learn about and care for the oceans, estuaries, and water resources on the planet.

He said in his life, he only wanted to be kind and do good work. He was successful in both. Bill was a gentle soul, avoiding the spotlight and letting his work speak for him. His family and friends were of utmost importance in his life. He always sought ways to help others achieve their aspirations. When asked what he wished for, he always responded: “world peace”. Knowing that was a major wish, he would add: “If people would be kind and do good work, world peace would follow”.

A celebration of his life will be held in the summer.

Visit Bill's website that includes his work and his passion: Ocean Archives

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation

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Condolences

July 07, 2022

Donna P. (Former Quidley)

I'm beyond sad to find a long ago friend has passed away. Such a unique man. He meant so much to NC Scuba divers. Jovita, you must be heartbroken. If there's anything I can say or do, please let me know. I still remember us diving the John D Gill tanker wreck together long ago! Was that the dive where we recovered brass portholes????
November 07, 2021

Martin Kandilas

Bill very kindly loaned a beautiful 16mm film to South Pacific Divers Club in Sydney Australia in 1982 to help promote the Australasian Underwater Photographer of the Year awards presentation. Part of the soundtrack was "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac. I can't recall the name of the film but it was tremendously well received. Hi spoke to Bill several times over the telephone back in those days and he came across as an incredibly nice, warm, and very helpful human being. I was very sad to hear of his passing. Our club was around for more than 40 years but unfortunately no more. Martin Kandilas Former President South Pacific Divers Club.
May 16, 2021

Suzanne Harris and Alton Chewning

Bill Lovin remains as a guiding light in my life. He had a supportive word always at the ready for our business and work, always truly interested in how life was evolving. I had the good fortune to work with him professionally, but always loved to get his phone call, to hear that voice and his manner of speaking. In Jovita, he found a life partner who could match his wit and his intellect. To Jovita and others in his family, our hearts go out to you. Bill Lovin lived an exciting, example-filled life. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know someone like him. In the midst of being sad, I feel a warmth just remembering him. What a marvelous person! With much love, Suzanne and Alton
May 13, 2021

James Edwards

Bill and I was classmate and we graduated in 1968 from Red Springs High School. I remember in 19&5 when the tornado struck Red Springs I was on duty with the North Carolina Army National Guard. We had a curfew and Bill approached me telling me he was coming from Raleigh to check on his parents. I didn't at first recognize him but when he told me who he was I told him that I was going to turn my back so he could go and check on his parents. I remember after that he contacted me and told me that he really appreciated what I did for him. We all came from a small town and we all respect each other. RIP Bill .... Gone but never forgotten....... Smiley
May 11, 2021

Mary Templeton

Our hearts are broken! Bill was such a giving individual! Our world is empty without him, but I know in my heart that he was welcomed in Heaven. Bill was a student of Bill's at Red Springs High School and also attended the Red Springs Presbyterian Church with my family. When Bill and I decided to marry in 1967, Bill graciously offered to film our wedding! Even then, in high school, he displayed such a gift for film! After 54 years we are still enjoying his photo album! In 2019 we traveled to Lumberton to hear Bill McArthur present a program and had an opportunity to visit with Bill there, too. We will always treasure the gift of knowing Bill Lovin! Bill and Mary Templeton
May 10, 2021

Benny E. Hendrix

Our condolences to the family of Bill.