William Robb Oliphant

Bill Oliphant passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 5, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born on October 9, 1948, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bill was raised in nearby New Haven, where he graduated from New Haven High School. From an early age, he embraced challenge and competition. A gifted athlete, he excelled in track, football, and basketball, and went on to play basketball at Earlham College before a knee injury redirected his path to Purdue University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering in 1973. He later pursued graduate coursework toward an MBA at William & Mary.

Bill built a respected career as a project manager in construction, including work with Butt Construction Company, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, and Hunt Construction Group, where he was known for his professionalism, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing things the right way. He particularly loved his work on military bases, where he helped to build and remodel military community housing.

He was also deeply committed to his own community, serving for many years as president of his homeowner’s association, where he generously gave his time and leadership to improve the lives of those around him.

Bill also pursued many passions. A talented woodworker who learned his craft from his father—continuing a family tradition that included a master carpenter grandfather—he took pride in building things with his hands. He built and raced his own catamaran on Clear Lake, Indiana; he loved to ride his bicycle and spend time around the shipyards in Virginia he helped build; and he loved all animals, including the horses he rode and the cats and one "psycho dog" who chose him.

Above all, Bill was devoted to his family. He is survived by his identical twin brother and lifelong best friend, Robert Henry Oliphant; his nephew, Steve Oliphant, his wife Betsy, and their children, Kate and William; and his nephew, Dan Oliphant and his wife Rehana. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Rosalie Workman.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Humane Society in Bill’s honor, reflecting his lifelong love of animals.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.