William Lucking has died at the age of 80, his widow Sigrid Insull Lucking has confirmed.
The Sons of Anarchy star's wife said the actor died at home in Las Vegas on October 18.
In her emotional obituary, Sigrid wrote: "Although William often played toughs and strongmen, in his actual life he was an elegant man with a brilliant intellect who loved to argue about politics and current affairs, discuss philosophy and physics and assert fine-pointed opinions about art and poetry."
She continued: "He was a giant of a man with the soul of a poet, one who 'contained…a tension of sorts within his being…like a boulder teetering on a hill…or a balloon expanding towards its extreme,' as one friend put it."
William was best known for his role as biker Piney Winston on the crime drama, starring in 35 episodes in total.
Throughout his lengthy career, William starred as a diverse range of characters on both TV and in movies.
His credits on the small screen also include Star Trek, Kojak, Gunsmoke, M*A*S*H, CHiPs, and The Waltons, while he featured in movies such as Doc Savage: Man of Bronze, Extreme Justice, and The River Wild.
The family requested in his obituary that people "toast his memory and celebrate his legacy".
William is survived by his wife and two daughters, Marjet Lucking and Juliana Ryan.
Close friend and fellow actor Stephen Macht said William was "truly a 'lion'," and commented that "his memory will always be a blessing."
Fans and other stars also took to social media to pay their respects following the news.
Sons of Anarchy's Kristen Renton wrote on Twitter : "RIP sir….. it was such an honor to work with you on @SonsofAnarchy.
"You had a presence unlike any other. You will truly be missed." She finished her post with a broken heart emoji.
A fan commented: "Thank you kindly. I’m beyond heartbroken over William Lucking death. He was a kind a soul who I’ve admired since the 80’s. Too many good people are gone now & it’s unfortunate because we need their light in our lives.
"Seriously sadness in my heart for his family & friends."
And another user penned: "So sad about his death...no one was better suited for the role of Piney than William Lucking.
"The role was absolutely tailor-made for him! RIP William"
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