William Harrison Rianhard | Eastern NC Now

    William Harrison Rianhard, age 86, a resident of Washington, NC, died peacefully at home on Saturday February 28, 2026.

    A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday March 7th at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Washington. The service will be officiated by Rev. Christopher Adams.

    Bill earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia, achievements that reflected his lifelong intellectual curiosity and discipline. He had a deep appreciation for American history and genealogy, always eager to understand the stories and people who came before him. In 2005, he moved from Baltimore to Washington to pursue one of his greatest passions-sailing. Whether on the water or tending to his garden, Bill found joy in cultivating beauty, connection, and a sense of place.

    Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anna F. Rianhard, his three children, Courtenay Chavez and her husband Robert of Wilmington, NC, Dane Rianhard of Baltimore, MD and Anna Lincoln and her husband William Whitehurst III of Cockeysville, MD. In addition, Bill had 5 grandchildren, Abigail, Rose, Jillian, Benjamin and Julian. He is survived by his brother, Lockwood and his wife, Mary, of Florida.

    Bill was preceded by parents Lockwood and Josephine Rianhard and stepmother, Frances Rianhard.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Rianhard family.