William Gourdine, son of the late Tillman Gourdine and Annie Simmons Gourdine, was born on July 15, 1943 in Russellville, South Carolina. He entered into eternal rest on October 10, 2012 at the family residence. William received his education in the public schools of Berkeley County, graduating from Russellville High School in 1961. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force as an Airman and served in the European Theater until he was honorably discharged. After serving his country, he worked for the Charleston Naval Shipyard and on January 27, 1995 was honorably retired after 25 years of service. He also worked for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, retiring after 5 years. William accepted the Lord at an early age and joined Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church, where he was a member of the Male Chorus. William loved fishing, hunting and photography. His work at the Charleston Naval Shipyard took him to many interesting places, such as France, Italy and Bahrain. On July 30, 1967, William was joined in Holy Matrimony to the former Hilda O. Snipe. This union was blessed with three sons. He leaves to cherish his fond memories: a loving and devoted wife, Hilda S. Gourdine; his loving sons, William Renard Gourdine, Columbia, SC, Nicholas Todd Gourdine, Charleston, SC and Sgt. Wendell Quincy Gourdine, Columbia, SC; two sisters, Patricia (Levon) Matthews, Georgetown, SC and Doris G. (Robert) Jameson, Neptune, NJ; two brothers, Ronald Gourdine, Philadelphia, PA and Guy (Vernell) Gourdine, Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law, Almena Gourdine, St. Stephen, SC, Jean C. Snipe, St. Stephen, SC, Emma (Henry) Butler, Columbia, SC and Verneida (Sanford) Cooper, Salters, SC; a brother-in-law, Alex (Mary) Snipe, Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Quintin Dante Lewis, Columbia, SC, Brandi Charde Gourdine, Charlotte, NC and Tiana L'Nay Gourdine, Fayetteville, NC; three aunts, Vermell Wilson, Pineville, SC, Lauretta Milligan, New York, NY and Hazel (James) Coads, New York, NY; one uncle, Elijah Gourdine, Philadelphia, PA; two special friends, Ollie Johnson and Simon Mitchell; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To leave a memorial message for the family, please click on 'SIGN GUESTBOOK' tab. Thank you!