Spotlight On: William Arthur Bissette

Celebrating the Life of William Arthur Bissette

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of former PLM board member, William Arthur “W.A.” Bissette. Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Mr. Bissette dedicated his life to his family and friends, his community, and to the lumber industry.

Mr. Bissette graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and received an M.B.A. from Harvard University. He also held the distinction Certified Financial Analyst.

In 1963, he began his career at Highland Lumber Co., Inc. located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He later went on to purchase Highland Lumber Co. in 1984 and served as their chairman until retiring in 2009.

Mr. Bissette served on PLM’s Board of Directors for the past 28 years during which PLM enjoyed exceptional growth. He provided his experience, wisdom, leadership, and guidance while serving on PLM’s Executive Committee and as a member and Chairman of the Executive Compensation Committee.

His influence spread not only throughout PLM, but through his involvement in the lumber industry over the years. In addition to PLM’s Board, Mr. Bissette served on the Board of Directors of the Lumbermens Merchandising Corp. (LMC) and was active in both the Building Material Suppliers Association (BMSA), and the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA).

Outside of Mr. Bissette’s illustrious career, he was an incredibly active and charitable member within his community, belonging to multiple civic, religious, and non-profit organizations. He served as an elder at Church of the Open Door and participated as a member of the Men’s Bible Study Fellowship in Apex. He also greatly enjoyed spending his time on the golf course and with his beloved friends and family.

Mr. Bissette will be deeply missed as we acknowledge his accomplishments and the everlasting influence he had on our lives.