William Sullivan Obituary

William Sullivan COLUMBIA, SC- William "Bill" C. Sullivan, age 87, of Columbia SC, courageously passed away December 6, 2023 following a short illness. Bill was born to Robert J. and Ruth Gardener Sullivan on September 5, 1936 in Jefferson SC. Following High School in Jefferson, Bill proudly served in the Navy, stationed in Jacksonville, FL, aboard the carrier USS Saratoga. Upon his return, Bill furthered his education graduating from Lake City College, in Lake City, Florida. He then began his lifelong career in forestry, first with Gray Lumber Company in Virginia, returning to his South Carolina with Georgia Pacific and Boise Cascade Corp. In the 1980's, Bill founded and served as president of William C Sullivan Inc. and Inland Resources, both successful timber development companies. Bill and his loving wife of 66 years, lived in Columbia, SC, Greenville, SC, Isle of Palms, SC and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, mainly to be close to their family and grandchildren. He enjoyed showing his grandchildren his love for the outdoors by walking his tracts of land and admiring his map collection. Bill was known for maintaining a meticulous landscape outside of his home, even taking on a "supervisory" roll once he required assistance, walking every inch of his garden to make sure it was completed to his standards. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert J. Sullivan, and his cherished grandson, Elliot Seyedein. He is survived by his wife, Shelby T Sullivan, his 3 children, W Charles (Elizabeth) Sullivan of Charleston SC, Lisa Seyedein of Columbia SC, Wesley Scott Sullivan, also of Columbia SC. Grandchildren, Easton (Chachere) Freeman, Charles Burton Sullivan, and great-grandson, and obvious favorite, Walt Freeman. Additionally, Bill's two sisters, Frances Melton and Ida Demby. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, December 13th, at Mackey Funeral Home in Greenville, South Carolina. A reception will follow the service.