William Avant Obituary

Dr. William E. (Bill) Avant, son of Ella Grier and Landy Wood Avant, Sr. died on October 28, 2017. He was born in Georgetown County, South Carolina, on August 28, 1919. He was the third of seven children. He attended Georgetown public schools before serving in the navy during World War II, for five years. He later received a B.A. degree from Duke University, B.S and DDS degrees from the Medical College of Virginia, and a master's degree from The Ohio State University. He taught for a short time at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and OSU. During this time, he was active in research and had articles published in professional and scientific journals. He belonged to several honorary societies such as Phi Beta Kappa (Duke), Omicron Kappa Upsilon (dentistry), Sigma Zeta (science), Alpha Sigma Chi (leadership). He is also listed on Who's Who in the South and Southwest. He practiced dentistry (Orthodontics and General Dentistry) in South Carolina (Georgetown, Union, and Columbia) for twenty-five years.

He was married to Eleanor Duke of Kingstree. They were blessed with two sons, Alan Barry of Moncks Corner and David Keith (Andrea) of Columbia and four grandchildren, Caroline, Claire, William, and Luke. They were married for sixty-six years and resided in Columbia for forty of those years. A serious accident to his right hand cut his practice short.

Dr. Avant was a prolific writer, not only of professional subjects but also humorous (mostly in poetic style) and fiction. These included children's stories. Several which were published. He was known for his story-telling and his wit. He was a Rotarian for many years. They moved to Georgetown (his childhood home) in 2008 where they resided at Prince George Health Center in an independent apartment. In 2017, He and Eleanor moved to the Presbyterian Home in Summerville, SC.

Dr. Avant is preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters: Dalvin (Carolyn) deceased, Landy, Jr. (Patsy), deceased, both of Georgetown and Ray (Reba) of Columbia; Frankie Dodd (Bruce) deceased of Columbia, Vernice "Bunny" Wilson (Hazard) deceased and Mildred Juk (Steve) deceased both of Georgetown.

He was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist and the Francis Asbury Sunday School Class.

A graveside service will be conducted at Elmwood Cemetery arranged by Mayer Funeral Home of Georgetown on Thursday November 2nd at 11:00. A reception will follow the service at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 901 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. .

Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 901 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440.