William (Bill) C. Mann, 77, of Columbia, passed away on November 20, 2009. He had been ill since February. Memorial services were held at 10 am Monday, November 23, 2009, at Washington Street United Methodist Church. Visitation immediately followed the service in the church parlor.

Mr. Mann was born in Pickens County on April 21, 1932, to the late William C Mann and Viola Trogden Mann. He spent his entire life in South Carolina, most of it in Columbia. He graduated with cum laude honors in 1954 from University of South Carolina, taught at Dreher High School from 1955–59, and received his masters of education from USC in 1960.

He worked in the South Carolina Department of Education from 1960 to 1971. He worked in Oconee County as director of fiscal affairs until 1974. He then formed his own business as consultant/auditor with the South Carolina school districts, and over the years he worked in 44 of the state’s 46 counties. He retired in April of this year.

Bill had numerous long–term friends whom he appreciated very much. He had occasion to make numerous trips with many of them, the Gullible Travelers. He and his wife, Shirley, also took a number of long trips abroad.

Mr. Mann was a long–term Sertoma member and past president of the Palmetto Sertoma. For many years, he was a member of the South Carolina School of Business Officials, and a recipient of a long-term membership award upon retiring. He was an active member of the Executive Club, a member of Washington

Street United

Methodist Church, and a member of the church’s choir. He was a lifetime member of the Gamecock Club.

Along with his wife of 24 years, Mr. Mann is survived by his daughter, Robin, of Carlsbad, Calif.; son, Steve, and his wife, Sharon, and his step–son Brian Wood, all of Columbia; and three granddaughters, Jessica and Brittney, of Carlsbad, and Rachel, of Columbia. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Finley of Pickens, S.C. and his brother– in–law, Phil Young of Cleveland, N.C. He was preceded in death by his sister Ruth Young.

The family also would like to express its gratitude to Palmetto Health Hospice for the loving care that was provided during Mr. Mann’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Washington Street Choir, something that Mr. Mann was very proud to be a part of for seven years. The address is 1401 Washington Street, Columbia SC, 29201.

Barr–Price Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements