Dr. William Kenneth "Bill" Manning

1942 - 2026

Dr. William Kenneth 'Bill' Manning, MD, 83, of the Central Shiloh Community in Abbeville, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Self Regional Healthcare. He was the husband of Karen Stoddard Manning and was born in Abbeville to the late Rennie F. and Daisy Cann Manning.

A proud alumnus of Abbeville High School, Dr. Manning graduated in 1960 and continued his education at Erskine College, where he graduated in 1963. He always knew that his calling was to become a physician, and he obtained his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Following his graduation, Dr. Manning served in the United States Navy. He completed his residency in Augusta and at Greenville Memorial Hospital before establishing a fulfilling career as an orthopedic surgeon. After 35 years with Oakwood Orthopedic in Greenville, he retired in 2004.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Manning was an avid gardener and flower enthusiast, who enjoyed cultivating day lilies, maintaining his yard and had a passion for collecting Model A automobiles. He was a devoted member of Gilgal Methodist Church for many years.

Dr. Manning was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Alma Janice 'Jan' Ashley Manning, and two brothers, Gerald Manning and Franklin Manning.

He is survived by his wife, Karen S. Manning; his children, William Steven Manning of Abbeville, Dr. Benjamin Meyer Manning of Greenville, and Dr. Erika Lyn Manning of Florence; two grandchildren, Madeline Grace Manning and William Benjamin Manning.

Friends and family are invited to visit with the family at Harris Funeral Home, 302 North Main St., Abbeville, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 PM in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Rev. Jason Taylor and Rev. Richard Ashley. Interment will take place in Gilgal Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions in memory of Dr. Manning be made to Gilgal Methodist Church, c/o Savannah Milford, 811 Milford Dairy Road, Abbeville, SC 29620.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Manning family.