William “Bill” Jay Stearns, 81, of Lexington died early Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital.

Bill was born on June 2, 1941, in Auburn, N.Y., to Garrett Jay Steams and Emma Dorothy (Drew) Stearns.

After spending much of his youth growing up in Skaneateles, N.Y., and achieving a master's degree at Springfield College, Bill moved to Lexington in 1966, where he became the swimming coach at Washington and Lee University until 1979. Once leaving W&L, Bill began his entrepreneurship primarily in real estate but also owned a video store, tanning salon, baseball card shop, Laundromat, and many more businesses during his lifetime. None of this would have been possible without his faithful ally and dear friend Laura Evans.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his sister, Judith (Stearns) Fisher.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Laura (Moore) Stearns; his sons, Michael Stearns and Peter Stearns; and his grandson Jacob Stearns.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Friday, June 9, at 2 p.m. after which the family will host friends in the parish hall for light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Kendal Lexington Staff Appreciation Fund or Habitat for Humanity.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.