When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Early Thursday morning, June 21, 2012, William Edwin Killian III of Cherokee, NC died. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Killian, and his children Sean Johnson of Louisville, Ky, Angela Arsana of Cherokee, NC, and William Killian IV of Graham, NC, and two grandchildren. William or Bill to his friends and family was a prominant member of the community, having been chairman of the Birdtown Community, and went on to become a Guardian Ad Litem. He was always the first to right wrong, and willing to help anyone who needed it. He was always the first to step up and become a voice of those who could not speak. He spoke in front of Council numerous times on Elder issues, as Guardian Ad Litem he helped children of the area, and through his involvement with PETA he helped animals. He was a great man who regarded Justice above everything else. He was known throughout NC and America as the owner and operator of Easternband.com, a website he created to give his people a place to voice their opinons and complaints, to become a beacon of truth, and if nothing else to allow the people of the Eastern band of Cherokee to come together and discuss news and other topics. He was a great brillant man, who was loved by many, and respected by all. His absence will be felt throughout the community.
One day the tears will dry, and smiles will once again light our faces when we remember you. We will stand a little straighter, and laugh a little louder. And we will raise our voices to your memory and loudly proclaim "No one lived as Bill Killian lived."
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