George William Supplee

George William "Bill" Supplee CAMDEN - George William "Bill" Supplee died peacefully on Thursday, October 30, in Camden, SC, at the age of ninety. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Tucker Supplee of Camden, SC, children Tucker (Carrie) Supplee of Muskegon, MI, Bonnie (Steve Garrett) Supplee of Atlanta, GA and Donny (Sharon) Supplee of Camden, SC, 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Supplee Jongewaard of Wesley, IA, Jean Supplee Crider of State College, PA, and a brother, Robert Lamberton Supplee of Orange City, IA. Mr. Supplee was born on July 9, 1924, in Assam, India, to George Washington Supplee and Ruth Lamberton Supplee. He graduated from Woodstock High School in India, Wheaton College and American Conservatory in Chicago, IL, with degrees in music. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a musician and machine gunner. He married Joyce in 1949 and after moving to Columbia, SC, was director of music and led the Ambassador Choir at Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University) for 40 years. Referring to his career, Bill said, "My passion is for people to worship the Lord in their own verbal and musical language. Jesus spoke the language of the people." Bill enjoyed cycling and after retiring from teaching became an active community volunteer and an avid gardener. A member of the Mid Carolina Camelia Society, his blooms won many awards. He and Joyce volunteered for many years with international students at University of South Carolina and instilled Christ's love for the whole world in their children, each of whom is now involved in some form of international ministry. A talented musician, he often played the piano at Kershaw Health Karesh Wing and other ministries in Camden until a few days before his death. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM, November 4, at Shortess Chapel, Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203. Dr. George Murray and Mr. Robertson McQuilkin will officiate at the service. All are welcomed to attend and celebrate Bill's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbia International University. The family wishes to thank the excellent staff at Karesh Wing for the loving care of their parents.