William Earl McWhite

William Earl McWhite, 72, husband of Deborah W. McWhite for forty-six years, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022.  Born in Greenville, Billy was a son of the late William B. and Lois McKinney McWhite.

Billy graduated from the University of South Carolina and was an avid Gamecock fan.  He retired from Howards Pharmacy after a forty plus year career as a pharmacist.

Billy had a great sense of humor and was known as both the king of one liners and a terrific storyteller.

In addition to his wife, Billy is survived by two daughters, Lynne M. Ballew (David) and Lauren M. Williams (Gene), both of Simpsonville; two grandchildren, Kyndall Williams and Miles Williams; and a brother, Mark McWhite (Shannon) of Keller, TX.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Condolences to the family of William Earl McWhite

  • Jim Cason
    2 years ago

    Very sad to hear of Billy’s passing. I have lost a dear friend and fellow pharmacist. We will continue to pray for Debbie and family.

  • Debbie & Jim Buchanan
    2 years ago

    Debbie, Jim and I are sending our deepest condolences to you and the girls. We are so sorry to hear about Billy and just know you all our in our thoughts and prayers.

    Jim & Debbie Buchanan

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you both! Would love to see you one day. Debbie, you were always so fun to be around!

      • Debbie Buchanan
        2 years ago

        Debbie, I’d love to see you too! Give me a call when you’re ready.❤️

  • Roy and Wendy Powell
    2 years ago

    We are so sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. As neighbors, please let us know if you need anything.

    Roy and Wendy Powell

  • Ronnie & Brenda Hughes
    2 years ago

    Debbie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. He was a wonderful friend for many many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Billy enjoyed being around you both so much. Thank you for your friendship!

  • Denise Powell
    2 years ago

    I am so sad to hear this. I’ve been a local loyal to Howard’s for years. Billy always made me feel welcome and like family. He was a special man! Will be praying for you all.

  • James Martin
    2 years ago

    Debbie and family I was so sad to hear of Billie’s passing. I still have great memories of when Billie and I worked together at Whitten Center. A truly great guy and friend. Our prayers are with you all.
    Love James and Margie Martin

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Hey there old friends! James , Billy would talk about you two often . Thanks for sending the message. So good to hear from you!

  • We have just learned of Billy’s passing and wanted to express our deepest sympathy to Debbie and the family. We will be praying for you! Mike and Iris Bearden

  • Gene Cason
    2 years ago

    I’m so sad for Debbie and family, just can’t imagine the loss and void that you feel. Mac was a whale of a friend. He was always smiling and positive to the best of his ability. We had classes together and he always pulled you up when down. God called one of his best home. Guessing he needed him more. Glad I had a person in my life like Billy Mac. With deepest sympathy to family, I am.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      OMG. Billy loved you both. Let’s get together soon. That would make him smile.

  • Mike and Kathy Tate
    2 years ago

    Debbie and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Donna Furlong
    2 years ago

    Debbie and girls,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Every time I would be around Billy and Debbie, you could see the love they had for each other. They always made you feel you were very special. There was always good conversation and good laughs. Love to all of you.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you my sweet friend! Will see you soon❤️

    • Russell Smith
      2 years ago

      Condolence Debbie and family Billy was a great friend he will be missed he’s living with no more pain and sorrow with our LORD AN SAVIOR 🙏 Prayers for yall 🙏🙏🙏 Cindy Russell Smith and Camp 1721

  • Ronald Rodgers
    2 years ago

    Billy was the best person I ever knew. Growing up being cousins we were together almost all of the time. I always looked up to him. If I tore something up he would be there to help fix it. If it couldn’t be fixed he’d hold me while I cried. I know you’re watching over Debbie and the girls. I love and will miss you.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      He thought the same if you! He will be missed for sure. I know he loved you and CeCe. We wish you better health and don’t be a stranger! Love you Rinnie

  • Nancy Shook Hargrove
    2 years ago

    I am another McWhite cousin who grew up with Billy. He, Ronny, and I were the same age so we spent happy days together at grandparents and each other’s homes playing outdoors and getting to know and appreciate each other. Billy loved his family and was loved! What a steady, dependable guy-a treasure .Debbie, Lynne Marie, Lauren, spouses, and grands- my prayers are with you in the days and weeks ahead. Billy will be missed. God bless you!

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you Nancy!! I have heard many stories about you and the family all of which Billy loved. Please tell everyone hello!

  • Erin Gilliam Miller
    2 years ago

    Some of my best memories growing up include Mr McWhite. I pray that happy memories remind the family that he’s always close by. I’ll be watching for those cloudy sunsets ♥️

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Hey Erin!! Thank you so much for your kind words and remembering how Billy loved sunsets. I hope we can get together soon. He loved you and your family so much as I do!!!

  • Anita Shook Johnson
    2 years ago

    I’m another McWhite cousin who loved spending time with all of our South Carolina relatives. Billy was always a joy to be around. So sweet and kind. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for all of his family.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Hi Anita! Thank you for remembering my sweet Billy. We are all going to miss him so much.

  • Paul Tucker
    2 years ago

    Prayers of peace and comfort for Debbie and all other surviving family members. Billy was a great friend, and I’ve never heard a bad word spoken about him by anyone. God’s Will be done, and we can know there’s no sickness or suffering where our friend has gone; and for that, Thanks be to God…..

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Paul, Billy enjoyed his friendship with you so much. Thank you for posting your kind words.

  • Lori Vance
    2 years ago

    Debbie, Lynn and Lauren,
    Praying for your peace and comfort. Billy will be truly missed, but knowing he is no longer sick and in pain gives us comfort. He sure loved his family and I know he will continue to love and watch over you all.
    Love, Lori

  • Jane Cason
    2 years ago

    I sure hope we can share more special times with Billy’s loving family. He will always be in our hearts and smiles.

  • Carolyn
    2 years ago

    Billy, Debbie, Lynn, and Lauren will always hold a special place in our hearts. Billy was one of a kind. Gentle, observant, kind, hard-working, helpful, pleasant and a very smart man. We will miss him but are so grateful we had the good fortune to know and love him. He and Debbie will always be the Mayor and First Lady of Fowler Fields!

  • Johnson Jane
    2 years ago

    So sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. Sending prayers to Debbie, Lynn Marie and Lauren. He was such a kind man and will be greatly missed.

  • Vicki Cox
    2 years ago

    Debbie, we are so sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers Steve and Vicki Cox

  • Linda Shook Ward
    2 years ago

    Debbie, I am so sorry about Billy. Nita shared that he went to Heaven a few days ago; I know that you and your family will miss that sweet man terribly. He was always so nice to me, and goodness, Chuck just loved all those McWhite cousins. I also remember that Billy could tell a good story – just like Uncle Benson. Do know that I will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer. Love, Linda (Ward)

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you Linda. Billy certainly loved his family and shared many stories of the trips you all shared.

  • Jennie McElveen
    2 years ago

    Debbie, Lynne and Lauren, I am so sorry for you loss. Billy was a wonderful man and friend and I know you will miss him. All of you are in my prayers.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you Jennie! He will be missed for sure.

  • Sunny Sutton
    2 years ago

    Dear Debbie, Lauren, Lynne and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Billy. He was one of a kind, always pleasant, a great sense of humor, hard worker, meticulous with that truck and immaculate yard, and knowledgeable. When asked he always gave me advice about medications, insurance advisors and whatever other questions I’d have and never send me a bill. He enjoyed being asked and happy to help. I will miss chatting and laughing with him. He will always be with you and watching over you all.

  • Sunny Sutton
    2 years ago

    Dear Debbie, Lauren, Lynne and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Billy. He was one of a kind, always pleasant, a great sense of humor, hard worker, meticulous with that truck and immaculate yard, and knowledgeable. When asked he always gave me advice about medications, insurance advisors and whatever other questions I’d have and never send me a bill. He enjoyed being asked and happy to help. I will miss chatting and laughing with him. He will always be with you and watching over you all. I’m so honored call him my friend.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you Sunny!! You are a great neighbor and a sweet friend. Billy was very special and loved by everyone who knew him, especially me. Thank you for encouraging me during his illness. I will always be grateful to you

  • Les Lollis
    2 years ago

    I send my deepest sympathy to the McWhite Family-He loved you all dearly. I feel blessed to have met and been able to call Billy “my friend”. In my prayers I am asking our great God to strengthen and comfort you in the days ahead. Les and Elaine Lollis

  • Antoinette
    2 years ago

    One of the greatest things about the home we purchased nine years ago was the blessing of our next door neighbors Billy and Debbie. You both have been so wonderful to us. Billy indeed had a spot-on sense of humor. I will miss seeing him outside with Miles. I will miss the sounds of firecrackers! I will miss so many things… He was a joy to chat with and a truly one-of-a-kind man. We love you Debbie, we have not stopped praying, and we’re here for you.

    Indeed our neighborhood has lost its patriarch.

  • Debbie McWhite
    2 years ago

    Thank you Antoinette and Bradley! You both have been wonderful neighbors and thank you for your kind words and encouragement during his illness. He will be greatly missed and was loved by many!

  • Rosemary Gallamore
    2 years ago

    Debbie and family,

    Billy and I graduated in the 1968 Class of Hillcrest High School. I remember that Billy seemed to always have a glowing smile on his face.
    Thinking of you and wishing for you moments of peace and comfort.

    Rosemary Whitmire Gallamore

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you Rosemary! He will certainly be missed. I fell in love with his brown eyes and his smile!

  • I’m so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing! We have been friends since high school, the USC School of Pharmacy and as my pharmacist at Howard’s! He went on to pharmacy, while I ended up in the jewelry industry like his dad!

    Good memories of a good man! RIP Billy!

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      I remember you Sam. Billy spoke highly of you and I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

  • Margaret Ann Stoddard Dewease
    2 years ago

    I am so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. We grew up together in Fountain Inn and lived on the same street. He was always kind and a good friend to everyone. I have not seen him in years, but will always remember his smile and know he will be missed. My sincere sympathy for his family.

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      Thank you Margaret Ann! He will certainly be missed.

  • Dennis Harmon
    2 years ago

    Debbie: Our deepest sympathy and condolences upon hearing of Billy’s passing just this evening from Mac Burdette. Remember the good times! All our best,

    Dennis and Denise Harmon

    • Debbie McWhite
      2 years ago

      So glad to hear from you too! We certainly had a lot of good times at USC and after. Hope you guys are well and if you are ever near Simpsonville please stop by!!!

  • Jennie Gault
    2 years ago

    Debbie and family,
    Billy will be so missed. I don’t have to tell you that you had the sweetest husband and father. My niece Mary-Murk is a pharmacist at Howard’s Drugs, so she got to see Billy from time to time. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Jennie Gault

  • Debbie McWhite
    2 years ago

    Thank you, Jennie. I didn’t know that Mary-Murk was your niece. He will certainly be missed!

  • I miss you brother. I want to call you but I can’t. Thank you for being such a great big brother. It’s nice to see all of these posts from people that you have touched. You spent your life helping others and taking care of your family and now God is taking care of you in heaven. I love you Billy Mac.

  • Denise Powell
    2 years ago

    I always loved seeing Billy all the times I went to Howard’s. He was the kindest, sweetest, big hearted man! I am so sorry to hear of him passing. Prayers for all of his family.

  • Debbie McWhite
    2 years ago

    Thank you Denise. He was a very special husband and my best friend. I miss him terribly!!

  • Bill Neely
    4 months ago

    I just found out about Billy today. I live in Anderson but went to NG with Billy and would sometimes go into Howard’s to see him when I worked in Simpsonville. Really sorry to hear. Bill Neely

Offer a Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *