Ellie "Bill" Weatherford

Ellie William (Bill) Weatherford, age 89, of Summerville, SC passed away peacefully on Monday, June 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. Ellie was born on August 30, 1933 to the late Addie Ernest Weatherford and Ella Lee Taylor Weatherford in Holly Hill, SC.

Also known as E.W. or Bill, depending on the season of his life, Ellie spent most of his life in North Charleston, having graduated from North Charleston High School in 1952. He then worked as a boiler operator at West Virginia Pulp and Paper from 1952-1953, before enlisting in the US Army and serving in Alaska during the Korean War for 3 years before an honorable discharge.

In 1957 he began a 30 year career in telecommunications with BellSouth, retiring as a repair supervisor in 1991. While working as a lineman/ installer in September 1959, during Hurricane Gracie, he met the love of his life, Mary Alice Templeton. They were married in November 1959, and celebrated nearly 63 years of marriage before Mary pre-deceased him in September 2022. They spent many years together volunteering with Boy Scouts, sports, and church activities, as well as traveling and enjoying the “lake life” upon retiring to Lake Marion. After they returned to North Charleston to be closer to family, Ellie enjoyed woodworking, gardening, small engine repair, and coin collecting in recent years. He was a quiet, gentle man who loved to tease and make you laugh! One of his greatest joys was spending time with all of his grandchildren and making memories!

Ellie is survived by his sons: Richard E. Weatherford, Sr. (Evonne), of Summerton, SC, and Keith W. Weatherford (Kathryn) of Summerville, SC; a daughter: H. Victoria Williams (James, Jr.) of Summerville, SC; 7 Grandchildren: Jacki W. Bowers (James), Richard E. Weatherford, Jr. (Jennifer), William B. Weatherford, Michael K. Weatherford (Jessica), Devin J. Williams, Shaun P. Weatherford, and Camryn F. Weatherford; and several great-grandchildren.

Ellie is also survived by his sisters and brothers: Ernie W. Owens (Tommy), of Givhans, SC; Linda W. Rosengren (Garfield) of Marietta, GA; Douglas M. Weatherford (Virginia) of Yonges Island, SC; and JT Thomas (Beverly) of Cameron, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Ellie was predeceased by a son, Donald W. Weatherford (Kim); 7 brothers and sisters, Virguree A. Weatherford, Wilbur W. Weatherford, V. Lee Withers, T. Howard Weatherford, Rufus A. Weatherford, Joan W. Smith, and infant Julius Weatherford.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 6-8pm at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home 7113 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 16 at 11am at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3595 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418. Interment with military honors will follow at Carolina Memorial Gardens.

A visitation at carolina memorial funeral home for Bill will be held Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A a celebration of life service at hillcrest baptist church will occur Friday, June 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A burial to follow at carolina memorial gardens with military honors will occur Friday, June 16, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Weatherford family.