William "Bill" Nathanial Osborne

Dr. William “Bill” Osborne, 88, of Winston-Salem, passed away peacefully at Forsyth Medical Center on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Born September 6, 1937, he was the son of the late George Harold Osborne and Mary Annette Osborne.

Bill was an accomplished musician. He taught at Denison University for 42 years and introduced thousands of students and community members to the beauty of choral music, the works of celebrated composers, and the rich sounds of Swasey Chapel’s Austin Organ.

After retiring from Denison in 2003, Bill moved to Winston-Salem, where he continued as music director of the Piedmont Chamber Singers, served as an adjunct faculty member at Davidson College, and conducted a choir at Winston-Salem Presbyterian Church. He also continued to lead his beloved Denison Singers in their reunion concerts.

Bill is survived by his younger brother, John Osborne, and his sister-in-law, Yvonne Osborne; two nieces, Heather Brashear (Mike) and Meredith Priestley; two great-nephews, Harrison Brashear and John Priestley; and two great-nieces, Madison Brashear and Arlie Priestley.

A memorial service is being planned for next June as a Denison Singers gathering in honor of Bill Osborne.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Osborne family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.