Edward Eugene "Buster" Williams III

Edward Eugene “Buster” Williams III of Mount Pleasant peacefully passed away on November 24, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 74. He was the beloved husband of Julie Bishop Ravenel Williams.

Born on April 20, 1949, Buster was the son of the late Edward Eugene Williams Jr. and the late Helen Wilkerson Williams. He was raised in the upstate of South Carolina in Chester and Fort Mill and was a proud graduate of The Citadel, class of 1971, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. After graduation, he spent one year in the U.S. Air Force; a few years in Columbia, SC; and in 1981, he settled in Greenville, SC, continuing a 45-year career in sales that took him everywhere from Eastern North Carolina to the Amazon rainforest. 
 
At the heart of Buster’s success as a businessman was his unique ability to build relationships and make meaningful connections with everyone he met. He never forgot a customer’s birthday, child’s name, or favorite libation. He developed the loyal trust of countless colleagues and customers through his genuine love and appreciation of others. Buster was hardworking, trustworthy, and never missed an opportunity to pick up the phone and let someone know he was thinking of them. 

Though a dedicated professional, Buster always practiced family first. His two children, Ward and Alexis, were the joy of his life. He loved nothing more than being a father, and he championed and supported his children all the days of his life from driving Ward to golf tournaments across the Carolinas, making friends with competitors and their families along the way, to supporting Alexis’ passion for ballet by donning a top hat and playing a partygoer in Greenville’s production of The Nutcracker. He never let his children go more than 24 hours without calling them back, and he instilled within each of them an unbridled respect and devotion to family. They were honored to sit by his side during his final days.

In 2010, after raising his family in Greenville, Buster moved back to Charleston and opened a new chapter in his life. The following year, he and Julie married. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage, anchored by their faith in Christ. Buster played a major role in Julie’s family, positively impacting her late mother, children, and grandchildren. He was loved and respected by her family for his kindness, infectious sense of humor, and steadfast trust in God.

Buster loved the outdoors, and was happiest hunting, golfing, and fishing the Carolina marshes on his cherished Boston Whaler, The Creek Freak. Buster enjoyed dancing, listening to music, and sippin’ bourbon or scotch, whether at the beach, in the woods, or on his own front porch. Buster was incredibly outgoing and was energized connecting with large network of friends throughout his life. He never missed an opportunity to spend special times with his Citadel friends. 

He was a passionate servant of Christ, always striving to learn and grow in his faith journey. Buster lived a life of service and faithfulness, always willing to quietly help those in need, from lifelong friends to strangers. He found joy in mentoring underprivileged youths in Charleston and participating in prison ministry. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity.

Most of all, Buster was the ultimate life enhancer who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He had an infectious sense of humor, the sweetest ear to listen, and the best moves on the dance floor. He taught us all how to love life, cherish our friendships, and have fun wherever we are. We hope that we can all live more like he did. Everyone loved Buster, and it wasn’t just because of his name. We know he is dancing in heaven, waiting for us to join him.

In addition to his wife, Buster is survived by his son, Edward Eugene (Ward) Williams IV and his wife, Caroline, of Houston, Texas; his daughter Alexis Williams Murphy and her husband, Marcus, of Sewanee, TN; his grandchildren, Edward Eugene Williams V, Nora Caroline Williams, Ira Trail Murphy, and Sylvan Giles Murphy; his sisters, Helen (Bunny) Hughes of Greenville, wife of Bob; and Rebecca Delleney of Chester, SC, wife of Greg; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
 
The family thanks the staff of Oaks at Mount Pleasant for their kind and generous care of Buster, especially during his final days.

A celebration of Buster’s life will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Church, 440 Whilden St., Mount Pleasant. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew's Church or The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.