William T. Kretzer, former president and CEO of Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., died April 23, 1999.
He was 52 years old.Kretzer joined the company in 1971, working in marketing and sales. He was
named president and CEO in 1985. Under his direction, the company grew from $216 million in sales
in 1985 to $1.4 billion in 1998. He retired from Unifi February 1, 1999.Bill was as honest and
straightforward a fellow as there ever was, said Alan Mebane, Unifi founder, chairman and CEO. He
was a hell of a fine individual. His customers, suppliers and employees here had the highest
respect for him. There was every reason in the world to like Bill.Kretzer played NCAA basketball
for N.C. State University in the late 60s, gaining fame when he held the ball for more than 13
minutes during N.C. States 12-10 semi-final win over Duke in the Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship.Kretzer is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son, William Cannon, his daughter,
Cameron K. Parks, his brother, Michael Kretzer, and his sister, Marcia K. Limbo.
June 1999
