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William Regan Obituary

William B. Regan FOLLY BEACH - William Bennett Regan, an attorney and resident of Folly Beach, died August 25, 2011. He was 75. Bill was born in Charleston on March 12, 1936, the son of the late John Raymond and Rosalie Gertrude (Bennett) Regan. He was a graduate of Murray Vocational High School, the College of Charleston, where he was student body president, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Between his high school and college years, he served his country in the United States Navy. Bill's legal career spanned some 42 years, 27 of which included his service as Corporation Counsel for the City of Charleston. His legal skills and creativity were instrumental in bringing to fruition many major City initiatives of that time, including Waterfront Park, Charleston Center, tourism management and a vast expansion of City boundaries. Bill relished being a lawyer. His legal talents were only outmatched by his lightning quick wit and disarming charm. He retired from the active practice of law in 2008. Bill was a student of architecture, an avid bird watcher and a more than capable woodworker, once he got past the "planning and estimating" stage of a project. And, he had a gift for telling really good stories. Bill is survived by his wife, Frances Isaac Cantwell, his sister, Catherine Elizabeth (Betty) White, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend, Derrell Crosby, who had his back over the last precious years of his life. He was predeceased by first wife Carol Boyd Regan and daughter Isadora (Kelly) Regan. The family and friends of William Bennett Regan are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Monday, August 29, 2011 at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., followed by a program celebrating Bill's life. Burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Charleston School of Law Foundation, William Bennett Regan Scholarship Fund, P.O.Box 535, Charleston, S.C. 29402, the College of Charleston Foundation, 66 George Street, Charleston, S.C. 29424 or another charity of choice. Bill's guestbook may be signed at www.jamesmcalister.com. Arrangements by JAMES A. McALISTER Funerals & Cremation. 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 26 to Aug. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William Regan

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Rudy Smith

December 17, 2024

I knew Bill Regan WAY better than the lot of you.. my wife (Debra Clouston Smith) was his legal secretary for 6 years (to include Donald Williams - a real Saint among Charleston lawyers). I knew his daughter Kelly.. she was a sad but very intelligent young girl and I will be forever sorry that I never gave her the Gospel of Jesus Christ because I was just as lost as she was in 1980. I will forever be grateful for Bill and Donald for letting me use their law firm )(coffee, copier, typewriter, supplies, electricity, TRUST!!!) on 41B Broad Street while I was studying Civil Engineering at the Citadel ('81). I left a note for them under their law study library table which gave them much joy when they were moving their office.. it read in part (paraphrasing): "I have spent my entire college career at this table and I hope that I never, ever, have the opportunity to do this, ever, again. Yours truly, Carroll Rudolph Smith Jr., 123 King Street, Charleston SC.

Mary Whiteman

September 16, 2011

Frances, I just chanced upon a facebook post to learn of Bill's death. I'm thinking of you and remembering him. Even though I didn't stay in touch I always thought of him as a friend. He will be missed.

August 29, 2011

Francis, I will never forget the time Bill represented the city and was going to have me arrested for trying to tear down the historical chimney stack at AAA Downtown Storage. I never did go to jail as all things were quickly resolved. There is so much I could write about such a fine gentleman and attorney. He will be missed by all and especially the City of Charleston. We shared many good times starting with law school. My prayers are with you and your family. Please call me if I can do anything for you.

Stanley L. Waldman, Hollywood, SC

Jo Ann Jacobson-Schindler

August 29, 2011

Francis, Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. When I think of Charleston, I remember the dinners out with Joan D, you and Bill. I could listen to Bill talk all night! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

walter hundley

August 29, 2011

A fine man.He will be missed.

Bobby Phipps

August 29, 2011

Frances, I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing. I will never forget you two watching over me as a clueless young lawyer in the Peoples Building. God Bless.

August 29, 2011

Frances, I am so sad to hear about Bill's passing. I will never forget y'all helping me out as a clueless young lawyer in The People's Building. May God bless your family.

Bobby Phipps

August 29, 2011

Frances, I am so sad to hear about Bill's passing. I will never forget y'all helping me out as a clueless young lawyer in The People's Building. May God bless your family.

Candace Holmes

August 29, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

August 29, 2011

Frances,

What great memories I have of working with the two of you over the years. Bill could make me laugh, even in the midst of battle. I learned much from him about enjoying life and the profession we have chosen. We will all miss him very much.

Sandra Lunceford

August 29, 2011

Frances,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. Josh Martin emailed me. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Marcil Mershon

August 29, 2011

Frances, I'm so sorry to learn of Bill's death. I didn't know him well, but it was clear to me that the two of you had a very special relationship! I know this is difficult for you and will keep you both in my prayers.
Love, Kathy

Rhet Wilson

August 28, 2011

What a great life, what a great loss. Frances, you gave him a lot of joy!

Bob and Carol Linville

August 28, 2011

Dear Frances- Bob and I were so sorry to read of Bill's death - what a shock. So many years suddenly passed by and there was always a story to listen to and laugh at when we ran into you both. You were an awesome team! There are no words to ease the loss, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Most sincerely, Bob and Carol

Sheriff Al Cannon

August 28, 2011

Frances: You and your family and Bill's are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill was a fine lawyer and fine person. He played a hugerole in our community, often behind the scenes ofering not only legal advice and representation, but his personal insight as well. God Bless and comfort you all.

Helena McKay-Vivona

August 28, 2011

Dear Frances, I'm too saddened to read of Bill's death. what a happy man he was and worked hard, yet enjoyed life to the fullest. My love and deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Fondly, Helena McKay-Vivona

Michael Golemis

August 28, 2011

Francis,

I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts, prayers and memories are with you and Bill on this day. You, each, are wonderful examples of human beings. God be with you.

Michael Holmes

Marian Carter

August 27, 2011

"Though his soul may set in darkness, it will rise in Perfect Light. He loved the stars too fondly, to be fearful of the night." (Unknown).

Frances, I remember Bill from so many years ago when he addressed the American Business Women's Banquet. I thought he was a riot then, and through the years, he always made me smile or downright laugh when I talked with him. My how my heart lights up even tonight as I recall many of his tales (though truthful) he would tell. He was a riot. He was known for his legal skills, as you are.

I am praying for your peaceful adjustment of his physical absence May God bless you and the family.

Dale Baumrind

August 27, 2011

Frances,
I was shocked and deeply saddened when I learned of Bill's death. I will always treasure our times together laughing, eating, drinking, and talking. May God be with you during this very sad time. I am just a phone call away if you need something. You and Bill are in my thoughts and prayers. I will see you soon, my Friend.
Love always, Dale

Roy DeHaven

August 27, 2011

Bill was a legal giant in a community full of masterful attorneys. His accomplishments helped build a strong City of Charleston with tenacity and humor. He will be missed by many in this community he treated so well. God bless Francis, his family, and his many friends.

George Morris

August 27, 2011

Bill will be missed but his memory will live on. My thoughts are with you.

August 27, 2011

Frances,
So sorry for your loss. I remember both you and Bill coming into my parents, Harold and Maria Blum's store, El Estanco. Bill always had time to chat with my father. Bill was a tremendous part of our city and left his mark in many ways.
You are in my prayers.
Ingrid Blum Condon

Marlene & Bill Johnson

August 27, 2011

Francis, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
May God watch over you.

Dewey Wise

August 27, 2011

Francis,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. We have lost a wonderful friend whose smile and personality brightened our lives. May Gods peace be with you.

August 27, 2011

Good friend, great raconteur, scholar and always with a bon mot in his mouth. Franklin Robson

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