Bill Ensley

Captain Bill Ensley, 83, passed away peacefully in Matthews, NC on June 19, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 15, 1939 in Andrews, NC, and as a child, moved with his family to Cramerton, NC. He married the love of his life and Cramerton High School sweetheart Dorothy Gaye Camp in 1959, and they were blessed with a son, Billy Vinson, in 1962. Bill and Gaye enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

Bill attended St. Petersburg Junior College, FL, University of Virginia, Case Western Reserve University, but was most proud of being a graduate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Bill’s work included solving high profile cases, and he retired as Captain from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department in 1990 after 30 years of service. Bill served as Commandant of the Charlotte Police Academy, training both recruits and veteran officers. Bill taught Police Science programs at Central Piedmont Community College and was certified as an instructor in firearms, pursuit driving and as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert, heading the city’s bomb squad unit.

Mecklenburg County Superior Courts recognized his achievements as Crime Scene Investigator, Captain and Commander of Charlotte’s Central Business District and Commander of the Adam-3 Westside District. He was recognized by the State of North Carolina as an expert in fingerprint evidence as well as forensics and crime scene photography. After retirement, Bill was elected to two terms as the President of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police.

In 1984, Bill and Gaye bought and renovated a mountain house in the North Carolina Blue Ridge. As a place of refuge and relaxation, it became a second loving and welcoming home to share with friends and family. His skills as carpenter, painter, electrician, mason and other handiwork are evident throughout.

Bill masterfully restored antique vintage cars to their original luster. An award-winning woodcarver, he taught classes for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and enjoyed sharing his art with family and friends. Bill’s carvings of wildlife and nature, as well as his custom woodwork, are on display in innumerable homes throughout the region.

Bill cultivated his enjoyment and appreciation of nature throughout his life. Well known for his quick wit, solid observations of life, and deep love of animals and nature, he unselfishly gave of his talents and time to his family, friends, and the community. His loving, generous and thoughtful presence will be deeply missed.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Blaine and Louise, and siblings Evelyn, Buddy, Ruth, Polly, Bob and Tom. Survivors include wife Gaye, son Billy, Matthew Corbett, and many loving family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to either the Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Charlotte or the Humane Society of Charlotte.

A Graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC. Arrangements handled by McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill, NC.