William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel

August 06, 1969 - October 18, 2019

Obituary For William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel

William Robertson Hanckel II, beloved son, brother, uncle, coach, teammate, and friend died unexpectedly on Friday, October 18, 2019, at the age of 50.

Bill was born on August 6, 1969, in Norfolk, VA to Allan Robertson and Jane Harden Hanckel. Bill graduated from Norfolk Academy in 1988 and Elon University in 1992. Bill excelled at athletics, playing soccer, swimming, and track at Norfolk Academy. He went on to play varsity soccer at Elon and was a proud member of Sigma Pi fraternity.

After college, Bill worked as a trainer for Applebee’s restaurants for several years before turning his lifetime passion for soccer into a career. He moved to Raleigh, NC in 1999 to open the first of his two soccer stores and began coaching youth soccer as well as playing in adult leagues. From 2010-2017, he held the position of Tournament Director for North Carolina FC Youth. Most recently, he was an Account Manager for Yard-Nique, a regional landscaping company in the Southeast. Bill loved coaching and playing soccer, and dedicated himself to elevating the sport in the Triangle area. In 2017, he received the North Carolina Adult Soccer Association’s Crampton Harrison Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of adult soccer in North Carolina. At the time of his death, Bill was an 18-year North Carolina FC Youth Classic coach, 9-year president of Triangle Adult Soccer League, and a teammate on several adult soccer teams.

When not eating and breathing soccer, Bill also enjoyed mountain biking, skiing, and annual trips to Camp Greenbrier, WV for Family Camp. Additionally, he was very much involved in the lives of his beloved niece and nephew. He was a staunch supporter of the Redskins, Yankees, UVA, and, of course, Manchester United.

Bill was generous with his love, his talents, his energy, his wit, and his joyful spirit. Someone once said of him, “It is so rare to meet a person about whom you can honestly say that every person who knew him liked him.” That was our Bill. We miss him so.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Allan Robertson Hanckel. He is survived by his mother, Jane; his brother and sister-in-law, Carter and Susan Hanckel and their children, Addison and Holden; his brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Connie Hanckel and their children, Robby and Jay; his aunt, Gail Bolliger and her children, Jay, Mike, and Craig Fite.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bill to North Carolina FC Youth financial aid fund. Following the visitation friends are encouraged to gather to continue the celebration at Trali Irish Pub, 3107 Grace Park Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560, https://www.traliirishpub.com/ in Morrisville from 7:00 p.m. - whenever

Services

28 Oct

Celebration of Life Service

04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

28 Oct

Visitation

05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Laurie & Michael Devine

Bill was one of my first students when I was a teacher in the early 1980s, and he has been a great friend ever since. I have been a friend of the Hanckel family forever, and I have no appropriate words to express my sorrow for this tremendous loss. Bill, we will love you and remember you forever. Rest In Peace, my friend.
September 01, 2020

Dani

Lit a candle in memory of William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel
September 01, 2020

Jacob

Sent a gift in memory of William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel
September 01, 2020

aj wilder

Lit a candle in memory of William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel
September 01, 2020

Catherine Fletcher

Lit a candle in memory of William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel
September 01, 2020

Jackie McKenna

Lit a candle in memory of William "Bill" Robertson Hanckel
September 01, 2020

Aaron

Bill was a wonderful friend that I had the pleasure of playing soccer with for almost two decades. I will miss him and his puckish smile and demeanor dearly.
September 01, 2020

Mark Trexler

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Alison Maxwell

I am still in shock at the passing of this great person. Bill was the manager for the community where I live and also where I work. We had numerous meetings and discussions throughout the years. Bill was a good person and those do not come into your life everyday. Bill could light up the darkest rooms. I pray for peace for his family, coworkers, friends and soccer buddies.
September 01, 2020

Tricia Norris

I just saw Bill last year at Elon Homecoming. We were staying in the same hotel and I wish I had given him a bigger hug. Bill was my brother's good friend and fraternity brother. I will cherish the memories I have with him even though I was just Bill's (Norris) little sister.
September 01, 2020

Fred Pierson

I have had the privilege to play soccer with Bill in the Men's Over 30 and then Over 40 divisions in TASL. Bill joined our team in numerous tournaments over the years including the Veterans Cup. We served together on the TASL board for many years. He was one of the most committed and dedicated volunteers for the advancement of soccer in the Triangle as well as on a State level. His deeds shall long live after him. Memories of our times will remain with me forever! Bill was always about being For The Good Of The Game!
September 01, 2020

Jackie McKenna

Lexie and I light this candle in memory of you. :candle:We will never forget you. You will be remembered by your kindness, generosity, and laughter. Rest in peace Bill :pray::dove_of_peace: