William Rivers

Mr. William Jackson "Bill" Rivers, Chesterfield, SC (Formerly of Columbia, SC)
January 23, 1936 – February 16, 2015

True to his character of dignity, serenity, gentleness, and grace William Jackson "Bill" Rivers, age 79, took his heavenly flight, while surrounded by his loved ones, on February 16, 2015, at Carolina Pines Hospital in Hartsville, SC, stating in his final words, "ALL IS GOOD!"

Bill, a graduate of Chesterfield High School – Class of 1954, went on to receive his B. S. in Computer Technology from the University of New York (now Excelsior) and his Master's in Education from the University of South Carolina with further studies at S.C. State. Bill retired from teaching at Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC where he was an instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology and additionally taught Computer Technology. While at Midlands, he also held the Department Chair for Electrical Engineering Technology. A great thinker and an educator at heart, he proof read textbooks for a renowned publishing company and served on the Board of Directors for his Alma Mater, Excelsior College.

As a patriot, he served his country in the S.C. National Guard for some 18 years in the 151st Signal Battalion Headquarters as Sergeant 1st Class, working in the field of radio.

As a lover of aeronautics since childhood, Bill owned and operated a hobby shop for radio-controlled model airplanes, as well as a television and radio repair shop in Columbia, SC. Bill took his love of the skies and flying to the heights of winning the State Fun Fly Championship and multiple other awards and trophies. He held AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) certifications as Contest Director, Scientific Leader, and Administration Leader.

Bill was a life member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers); member of The American Legion in Columbia, SC, SCTEA (SC Technical Educators Association), and Woodmen of the World. He was also a member of the National Association Amateur Radio (AARL) and licensed under the call sign of "KG4KXO". He also designed and maintained the website for the local chapter of the PALSnet (Palmetto Amateur Radio System Network) Club.

As a 4th cousin to the singer Johnny Cash (via Johnny's mother, Carrie Rivers Cash, whose family John L. Rivers was formerly from Chesterfield) in Bill's early days, while walking the streets of Columbia, he was often mistaken for Johnny, due to the distinct Rivers' family resemblance. In later years Bill and Johnny met at a family reunion in Hendersonville, Tn.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Jack O. and Doris Odom Rivers; his beloved brother, John R. Rivers and sister Joan R. Melton; sister and brothers-in-law: Georgia Rivers, Ervin McLain, and Rev. Floyd Melton, Jr.; and the love his life and former wife, Rita J. Rivers.

Bill is survived by his brothers and sisters; Mary McLain, Polly (Donald) McLain, Alice (Sammie) Copeland, Jack O. Rivers, Jr., Randy (Wanda) Rivers, and Joy (Johnny) Farmer; sister-in-law, Rebecca Rivers; Children and Grandchildren of the Heart: Micha (Patrick), Ava, Eden, Wilder Copeland Moss; Casey (Ashley) and Sophia Copeland. Special Friends, Garrett Rivers of Chesterfield, SC; Jeanie Clements and Jack Saunders of Columbia, SC

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of Carolina Pines Hospital; Rebecca and Sandra of Visiting Nurses of Chesterfield: Chesterfield County Council on Aging-Senior Meal Program for their help and assistance during these past nine months while Bill resided in Chesterfield, A special thank you to his primary care doctor, Dr. William J. Powell of Hartsville and his ophthalmologist of many years, Dr. Holland Crosswell III, of Columbia for their genuine concern and care.

At Bill's request a private service will be held at a later date. His belief was that life was for the living, and truly, "All is Good!" Therefore, should you wish to remember him, please do so by embracing life and those you love while fondly remembering him or simply look to the skies and think of him unbounded, all seeing, and free to soar!

MILLER-RIVERS-CAULDER FUNERAL HOME OF CHESTERFIELD, SC
(www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Rivers family.