William “Bill” Craig Santman
William Craig Santman, 88, of Simpsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, April 17, 2023. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, he was the son of the late Willoughby and Myrtle Santman.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Santman as well as three daughters, Carol Bachtel (Bruce), Lauren Thomson (Neal), and Holly Cain; grandchildren, Ryan Thomson (Lindsay), Kyle Thomson, Taylor Kunkel, and Rachel Bachtel Long (Bryan); one great grandchild, Leslie Long; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret Sadler Santman, daughter Christen Kenney and son-in-law Paul Kenney.
William, or Bill as most called him, was a graduate from Towson University in Maryland. He served in the US Army and eventually went on to have a 26-year career in medical sales with Ethicon, a division of Johnson & Johnson, earning top salesman of the year. During most of his career years, he lived and raised his family in Oakton Virginia where he enjoyed raising horses. Several years after retiring, Bill and his wife, Judy, moved to Simpsonville, SC to be close to family. He volunteered at Hillcrest hospital and attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Simpsonville where he served as a Eucharistic minister.
He loved driving, civil war history, had a great love for his country, had a heart for animals and loved telling stories, at which he was quite good. Bill never met a stranger and was very personable and a great conversationalist. He was an old school gentleman.
A Memorial Mass will be held on April 25, 2023, at 12:15 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made out to: Cancer Society of Greenville County, 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC, or the Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Rd., Greenville, SC 29607.
Judy, never easy when a loved one passes. Bill was truly a gentleman.
I always enjoyed his and your company. When you look at the world we live in today, we need more people like Bill, and we wouldn’t have these problems. Even though Bill has left us, you will have many good memories to reflect back on in the days and months ahead.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Judy and family we are so sorry for your loss…..truely he never met a stranger….and was a great asset to our business….our clients loved it when he was their driver.
Hugs to you,
Phoebe & Mike
We will truly miss Bill, especially our Sunday breakfasts and occasional dinners. His wisdom, his conversations, and life experiences were always a delight. Judy, you and Bill were the first friends we met after moving to South Carolina. I will always remember going to the International Festival at St. Mary Magdalene and watching Fr Tao attempt a polka. It was so hot, but the beginning of a great friendship. I pray that you will feel the love and support of God, family, and friends today and in the days to come. We lift you, your daughters, and your entire family up in prayer.
Bill was a wonderful addition to the Benarick family. It took alot to get use to all these Polish relatives. He will forever be my mince meat pie buddy. And loved telling Bill about the planes I took to visit. I was so excited that on Monday I was in a brand new 737. But I could only wish I could tell him. He will be missed. A wonderful husband, father grandfather,cousin,friend and all around great guy
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful man. Thinking of you Judy and offering my condolences love and prayers.
We are so sorry Judy. Bill was truly a gentleman and it was wonderful to have both of you as neighbors in Warrenton. I know he will be missed.
Judy and Family, this has to be the hardest part of your life at the moment, losing your soul mate is never easy. I only wish we could be with you at this sad time.
Kathleen and Bill
Judy, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. He will be greatly missed. He was always kind and wanted to be helpful. You spent most of your lives together, this will be a big change for you. I’m glad you have family and friends close by. You will see him again some day 🙏
Judy and family,
Jan and I are very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We pray for you all to have the strength to get through what must be a very trying time. Please take some comfort in knowing that Bill is resting at peace.
Holly – I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Thank you so much Maria!! ❤️
Judy, I can only imagine your feelings of loss right now. The kindness you and Bill have shown me throughout my time here in Greenville Blessed me more than you can ever know.
It was entertaining to hear Bill tell his life stories and a holiday dinner which the two of you always made so tasty and wonderful.
Most sincerely, Mimi Bachtel
Judy- I know all too well how difficult it is to feel that peace and comfort everyone wishes. Bill always had a smile and pleasant conversation to those he met. I still think of your place in Oakton as “the Santman house”. Would love to talk- if you’re ever this way let me know.
As ever, Evelyn