Bill Warren

Bill Warren, age 73, of Statesville, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.  Bill had been in declining health for some time but, in typical Bill style, he fought the good fight and remained mentally alert to the very end.   He was born March 23, 1949, in Iredell County to the late James C. Warren, Sr. and Lillian Bolin Warren.

Bill attended Cool Springs and North Iredell High School, graduated from Appalachian State University in 1971, with a major in psychology.  While at Appalachian, he began to share his musical talent on stage as a pianist at Tweetsie Railroad.  In March of 1973 Bill married his beloved wife and partner for life, Drinda. While raising their precious child, Stacie, the Warrens opened several local businesses through the years.  Bill’s style and Drinda’s culinary skills provided Statesville with the best in food and entertainment: “Reeo’s Discoteque”; “Reeo’s Restaurant”; and “Across the Street”, which featured dancing, banquets, parties and dinner theaters and hosted groups like Chairman of the Board, The Catalinas, the Band of Oz and Herman’s Hermits.  In 1999, Bill and Drinda, opened a retail furniture and accessories store; “Shops UpFront”, the store brought beautiful home décor (and an occasional impromptu piano concert on Bill’s grand piano) to the community for more 23 years and is still a thriving family business today.

In 2007, Bill joined the Iredell Concert Association which eventually became known as Performing Arts Live (PAL).  He served on the board, then became President and eventually executive director.  For over 15 years, he worked tirelessly, sharing his vision and passion for the arts, promoting and presenting many seasons of distinct and diverse performances from artists across the US and the World.  He was most proud of his work to expand PAL’s mission in creating the Fund for Artist Development, which provides musical instruction to young musicians in our area.  Prior to and throughout his illness, he served on the board of the North Carolina Presenters Consortium (NCPC).  Bill was a born leader and served as Treasurer and then Vice President of NCPC.

During 2022, he was honored with a Proclamation from the Mayor and the City of Statesville for his work in expanding the arts and culture in Statesville for over 15 years.  The theme of Bill’s life has always been “Life without passion is no life at all.” He lived that philosophy every single day of his life.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include his loving wife of 49 years, Drinda A. Warren, his daughter, Stacie W. Josey and husband, Josh, granddaughters, Emma and Ava Josey, siblings, Margaret W. Flores, (Mario) and James Warren, Jr. (Phyllis).  Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Michael Flores (Juliana), Mary C. Flores-Ott (Nick), Anthony Flores, John Warren (Jill) and David Warren.

A celebration of life for Bill will be conducted at 3:00 pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Western Ave Baptist Church, 1206 Museum Road, Statesville, NC 28677.  Family friend, Kent Barnhardt will officiate.  A visitation for family and friends will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider The Fund for Artist Development @ PALofIredell.com or Performing Arts Live Iredell, PO Box 103, Statesville, NC  28687.