William H. Smith

William H. (Bill) Smith, 76, husband of Gail Tumbleston Smith, died peacefully on April 23, 2019 at his residence. Bill was born on May 23, 1942, in Spartanburg SC to Mary G. and the late Rev. Wm. Harold Smith. He was a graduate of Ware Shoals High School and Erskine College.

After college, Bill began his property and casualty insurance career with American Mutual Fire Insurance Company as an adjuster and later became Vice-President and manager of Hibernian Mutual Insurance Company on State Street. In 1986, he left the insurance industry to co-found Palmetto Video Works and continued in that endeavor until retirement. In earlier years, he was a member and past president of the Exchange Club of Charleston and the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross' Board of Directors. Bill also served in many capacities at Trinity United Methodist Church and was most proud of the sanctuary restoration after Hurricane Hugo.

Bill was devoted to his wife, Gail, of 38 years. He was an avid music lover, particularly the majestic sounds of the pipe organ. He enjoyed boating and loved his basset hounds.

He is survived by his wife, Gail, his mother, Mary of Orangeburg, SC, a brother, Gene (Diana) of Leesburg, FL, 2 brothers-in-law, Steve Downey of Oxon Hill, MD, and Thomas Tumbleston (Essie) of Walterboro, SC, two nieces, three nephews and other grand and great grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Carole Downey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday May 3, 2019 in Trinity United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 273 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401.