William (Sonny) Foster

William Harrell (Sonny) Foster passed away on December 3, 2014, with his family by his side at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Born in Westminster, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Grace and William Foster. He was a graduate of Clemson University and held additional degrees from Western Carolina University and the University of South Carolina. In 1961, Mr. Foster began his career in Beaufort County and served as teacher, coach, principal of Beaufort Elementary, Mossy Oaks Elementary, and Lady's Island Middle Schools. At the county level, he served as Director of Federal Programs, Director of Planning and Operations, and Director of Elementary Education. He also worked in the State Department of Education in Columbia, and in Oconee County as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education from 1971-1982 before returning to Beaufort. He also served as State President of the SC Association of Curriculum Directors.

After his retirement from Beaufort County Schools in 1990, Mr. Foster served as Principal and


Assistant Principal of Laurel Bay School 2, as it was known then.

A life-long Presbyterian, he was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon, Elder, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. He was also active in the civic life of Beaufort as a member of Beaufort Rotary Club, the board of the Public Library, and the Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. He volunteered for many years with Mobile Meals. In his retirement years, he was an avid golfer as a member of the 911 Group. However, the most important aspect of his life was his family: spending time with his wife and nurturing his children and grandchildren. He was a superb storyteller and the stories will be treasured by all the children who were fortunate enough to hear them.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gambrell Glenn Foster and their three children: The Reverend Sally Foster Fulton (Stuart) of Stirling, Scotland; Martha Foster Harvey( William) of Beaufort; and William Harrell Foster, III (Jacque) of Greenville ; and his sister, Grace Foster Dennis (Pat) of Beaufort. His life was enriched beyond measure by his ten grandchildren: Chase, Elle, Jack, and Matthew DeCarlo of Beaufort; Alex and Sarah Grace Fulton of Stirling, Scotland; and Reece, Sullivan, Avery, and Jamison Foster of Greenville. There is an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews all of whom brought him great joy.

Services for Mr. Foster will be held on Saturday morning, December 6, at ten in the morning at First Presbyterian Church in Beaufort. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort, Post Office Box 1226, Beaufort, South Carolina. The memorials will be used to establish a fund for theological education in memory of William Foster.