William Edward Racine

Racine, Jr., William Edward 

DURHAM – William (Bill) E Racine, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024 in the UNC Neurosciences Hospital following surgery. He was born on January 5, 1944 in Evanston, IL to the late William E Racine, Sr., and Dorothy Reynolds Racine. His early years were spent in Evanston, Illinois, and then the family headed west to Atherton, CA where he graduated from Menlo Atherton High School in 1962. He then returned to Evanston to attend Northwestern University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and earned his degree in Business. After graduation, he married Katharine (Cass) Harbaugh and began his lifelong career in the insurance industry in the Chicago area. The couple remained in the northern suburbs of Chicago where they raised a daughter, Caroline (Carrie) Racine. Bill’s passions were his family, connecting with people, and playing golf. In 1982, Bill moved his family to Sacramento, CA where he started his own travel agency, Sterling Connexxions. This company allowed Bill to combine his entrepreneurial spirit with his love of travel. West Coast family, new friends, and coaching Carrie’s softball teams were the highlights of this adventure. Bill and Cass returned to Wilmette, IL in 1990 where he continued his work as an insurance executive, was an active member of Kenilworth Union Church, and enjoyed playing golf at Indian Hill Club. In 2012, Bill and Cass retired to Durham, NC where they continued to enjoy golf at Hope Valley CC, made new friends, and joined Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his sister, Sherry Blair, his wife, Cass; and his daughter, Caroline (Greg) Gilles, and two grandsons, Ben and Matt Gilles. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Evans Scholars Foundation, Durham Sports Club, or a charity of your choice. A private graveside burial service at Kenilworth Union Church Memorial Garden is planned.