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Conway...William David "Billy" Avant, Jr., age 82, passed away quietly on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at his residence after a long illness. Mr. Avant was born in Kingstree, son of the late William David Avant, Sr. and Ruth Cribb Avant. He grew up in Conway and was educated in Horry County School system, graduating from Conway High in May 1945. Attended Clemson A&M College (then a military school for boys) for 2 years. Mr. Avant was unit administrator for the National Guard of Conway for 35 years. Retired as Chief Warrant Officer W3. Accepted as an active member and Knight into "The Military Order of Saint George." He was past member of Conway City Council. Mr. Avant was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 64 years, and a member of Men's Christian Club. Life member of the SC National Guard Association. Received the Minuteman Trophy, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Active Service Medal, and US National Guard Bureau's Retirement Medal. Mr. Avant had 25 years Real Estate experience. He was an active member of Coastal Carolina Board of Realtors, serving as Sales Associate Broker in Charge, on site manager and attended many real estate courses/schools. Mr. Avant was awarded CCAR's Realtor Image Award. He was a member of The Greater Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Avant served as Chairman of Horry County's Salvation Army Advisory Council, Board of SC Legislative Committee, member of Clemson University Athletic Department's IPTAY for 53 Years having attended 66 consecutive Clemson/Carolina games, and have served on REP Board for the past 15 years, member of the Rotary Club of Conway since 1972, having attained 100% attendance, and served as secretary and treasurer for 14 years. He received the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary Benefactor, Distinguished Service Award, and Rotarian of the Year Award. Mr. Avant was preceded in death by a brother, Wesley Avant; and one sister, Betty Calhoun. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Richardson and Regency Hospice for their care of Billy. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Sylvia Jo Thompson Avant of Conway; a son William David "Bill" Avant, III and fiance`, Janice Burkhart of Senaca,SC; a daughter, Susan Avant Hendrick of Conway; three grandchildren, Le Hendrick and wife Heather of Conway, Ellie Avant of Jasper, GA, and William David "Will" Avant, IV and their mother, Diane Kinzer of Jasper, GA; one great-grandson, Joey Hendrick; one sister, Ruth Ann Stokes of Pawleys Island; one aunt, Corine Ray of Georgetown; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday at the First United Methodist Church of Conway with Rev. Mac Kinnett and Rev. Carl Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery directed by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to Regency Hospice, 11943 Grand Haven Drive, Suite A, Garden City, SC 29576. Sign a guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com/obituaries Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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William Avant

November 25, 1928 - November 6, 2011