William “Hugh” Overcash grew up in the Troutman-Statesville area of North Carolina and graduated from Troutman High School. During World War II he joined the United States Navy where he trained as a radio operator "sparky" and served on the U.S.S. Brennen (DE 13) and U.S.S. Major (DE796). He achieved the rank of radioman second class and later taught radio school. During the Korean War he was called to duty and served nine months in Yokohama, Japan. He was honorably discharged twice from service with the United States Navy; in 1946 and 1950. After his service to the United States, he attended the University of Tennessee ultimately receiving three degrees B.S. in business (1949), M.S. in accounting (1952) and a J.D. 1951.