William was born in Hull and studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Maurice Clare. He graduated and became a member of the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast playing with them for 10 years. William changed career and became a Baptist Minister, eventually settling in the Isle of Man, where he also led the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra for 15 years. He was the principal violinist on the Island, playing for the numerous shows at the Gaiety Theatre and Villa Marina concert hall until he retired to the UK.