William Gilden Obituary

William "Bill" H. Gilden, Sr. MT. PLEASANT - William H. Gilden, Sr., 95, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 30, 2025. William "Bill" was born September 23, 1930, in Seneca, SC, son of the late Maude Fox Gilden and J. B. Gilden of Greenwood, SC. He graduated from Westminster High School in Westminster, SC, Lander University, where he received his B. S. in Education, and Western Carolina University, where he received a master's degree in Education Administration. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. Bill began his teaching career at Salem High School in Salem, SC. After his first year, he accepted a teaching-principal position at North High School in North, SC. After two years at North, he accepted the principalship at Swansea High School in Swansea, SC, where he served for four years. After returning to North High School for a short period, he accepted the position as junior high school principal in Mt. Pleasant in 1967. After two years at the junior high, Bill was moved to the high school as principal of Moultrie High School. After one year at Moultrie High, he was promoted to district superintendent in 1970. Later, Bill was promoted to area superintendent of schools for District 1 and District 2 schools, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. He was a Phi Delta Kappa, past member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, American Association of School Administrators, US Jaycees, the American Legion, and Civitan. He is survived by his two sons, William H. Gilden, Jr. (Paula Wood) of Rodman, SC and Jody H. Gilden (Traci) of Lexington, SC; one step-son, Dr. Kelley Ford Shippey III (Heather) of Greenville, SC; two sisters, Mary Gilden Mason of Hilton Head, SC and Mildred Gilden Bosse of Hernando, MS; eight grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Cole Gilden. The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd., from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in All Saints Lutheran Church, 2107 North Highway 17, Mount Pleasant 29464, at 12:00 noon, immediately followed by a reception. Interment will be private. Memorials may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.