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William Otis Kneece

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Eau Claire High School University of South Carolina

William Kneece Obituary

William Otis Kneece COLUMBIA, SC - William Otis Kneece, 76, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in his Columbia home. Mr. Kneece (Billy) was born October 26, 1935 to the late Otis Salter Kneece and Elise Blackmon Kneece in Sumter, SC. He grew up in Columbia. He had one brother, Robert Edward (Bobby) Kneece. After graduating from Eau Claire High School, he attended the then all-male military Clemson College and graduated from the University of South Carolina. He volunteered for the Army draft in 1958 and served in the 25th Infantry Division, the 21st Regiment. After his honorable discharge, he attended the USC School of Law graduating in 1962. He worked at Sears and the US Postal Service to pay his way through law school. Mr. Kneece married the late Jo-Anne Kennedy in 1961, and they had two children, Jennifer and Bill. He practiced law with his brother, the late Bobby Kneece, and his nephew Bobby Kneece, Jr. He thoroughly enjoyed practicing law and the relationships he formed with his colleagues. He was delighted that his daughter chose the same career. Mr. Kneece was always a gentleman. He loved Columbia, he loved his Country, and he loved his President. He was an avid reader who enjoyed books on history, religion, and best-selling novels and classics. He loved art and poetry and was quite the movie goer. He adored traveling with family. He enjoyed completing his daily crosswords, fishing with friends, golfing, cooking, growing tomatoes and playing spades with his daughter and grandson Wills. He enjoyed listening to his son's beautiful singing voice and giving life lessons to his grandson Chandler. He also enjoyed debating just about everything with his son-in-law, Miller. Billy never met a stranger. He was loyal and generous. He gave of himself to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, his neighbors, his clients and his friends. He, in return, treasured his relationships. He was affectionately known as "Uncle Billy" by many. Mr. Kneece was very appreciative to the staff at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center for their excellent medical care and their humanity. Susan Swatsworth and Dr. Betty Joyce held a special place in Billy's heart for their compassion and professionalism. He was also grateful to the fine care he received from Dr. Michael Foster, Dr. Ruben Mayer, and Dr. William Butler as well as the compassion he received from his Hospice Care of the Tri-County team and his caregiver Diane Jones. The Kneece family is also thankful to the kindness of the Lexington Medical Center. Mr. Kneece is survived by his daughter Jennifer Kneece Shealy and her husband Miller Shealy of Mount Pleasant and his son William Chandler Kneece of Columbia; two grandsons, Wills and Chandler Shealy; aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. As a continuation of his generous spirit, Mr. Kneece requested his body be donated to the USC School of Medicine. The family will receive visitors at the Seibels House located at 1601 Richland Street, Columbia on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Attention: Voluntary Services, 6439 Garner's Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jun. 20 to Jun. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Kneece

17 Entries

linda lee

July 10, 2012

I had been tring to get in touch with him just found out about his passing I believe my grandsons case back last year was his last court case we hav known him most of our lives he was a great man will always remember him sorry for your lose bye billy lv u forever

Sonja Edwards Carnaggio

June 26, 2012

Jennifer and Bill, I was so sorry to hear you lost your sweet father. Know that I am thinking of you both and lifting you in prayer.

Thomas Broadwater, Sr.

June 21, 2012

My deepesst sympathy, to the whole family. tom broadwater

Alyssa Amick

June 21, 2012

Mr. Kneece was a great freind to my father, Larry Amick and the same to me, I called him my secong grandpa. I appreciate his friendship to my father and I know he was to everyone he knew. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Alyssa Amick

Scotty Lewis

June 21, 2012

Mr. Kneece always added a spark to our golf game and I enjoyed playing with him. My thoughts and prayers fo to his family. He will be missed.
Scotty Lewis

Marjorie Kneece

June 21, 2012

Love to each of you and love to Billy. I will never forget visiting all of the Kneece lawyers in the law firm growing up. Billy was a character...smart and a great sense of humor, a common Kneece trait. :) I love our entire Kneece family very much and am proud to be one. Godspeed to Billy. Much love to each of you. xoxo

June 21, 2012

To all of Billy's family:
I was so sorry to hear of Billy's death. As his obituary notes, he was ALWAYS a gentleman. He treated even the youngest lawyers with the greatest respect, and his interest in people was genuine. He is a legend, for all the right reasons. He will be sorely missed, but I am sure glad I had the chance to know him!

With deepest sympathy,
Nancy Wicker

Diana Rivera

June 21, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Kneece Family. Even though I only new Billy for 3 years through working at the law firm, he brought laughter and joy into my life. He was a character. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him no matter the length of time.

Davina Loewe

June 21, 2012

Sorry for your loss- will keep you all in prayer

Keith Novak

June 21, 2012

Deepest sympathies to you and your family. God Bless you all as he comforts you through this difficult time.

Lott Judy

June 21, 2012

Bobby jr and Billy's family, I know he will truly be missed, He was one of a kind, my prayers or with you all.

Friend and Client of the Kneece's Law Firm,

Judy Courtenay Lott

Berkeley Solicitor's Office

June 21, 2012

Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. If we can be of any help throughout this difficult time, please let us know. May God continue to comfort each of you.

Michael Bryant

June 21, 2012

I want to express my deepest sorrow to Jennifer, Bill, and all his nieces and nephews. Mr. Kneece was not only my mentor, but a second father to me, Godfather to my daughters, and friend to my wife. The world is a sad place today without his smile and laughter, and wisdom.
He will be missed by all that knows him.

June 21, 2012

To Bill and the Family; My deepist and Heart felt Sympathies, Billy was as good a friend as anyone could ever ask for. I knew him for 50 years. He was a kind and gentle man, I belive he loved everyone! He is now hugging and laughing with Bobby. I know that this earth is a sadder place with his departure but Heaven is a better place since he arrived. May God comfort you and the family in your loss.
Douglas Brazell.

Butch Nuttall

June 21, 2012

Billy was one of most extraordinary men I have ever known . My love and best wishes to the entire Kneese family .

Sybil Nobles Long

June 21, 2012

I remember Billy and Bobby from our neighborhood friends and "hanging out" at Camp Fornance Grocery, which was run by my father, Howard Nobles. We claimed some kin since my father's mother was a Kneece from the Batesburg area. Billy was the "sweetie", Bobby the "take charge" person. I'm so sorry for your loss, but you have made beautiful memories with him. Peace to the family.

Steven Roberts

June 21, 2012

To he Kneece family, I wish to express my deepset sympathies to you all at this difficult time.
Steve Roberts and family.

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