William Charles Arent

William Charles Arent, lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at the age of 88. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bill leaves behind a profound legacy of love, wisdom, and quiet strength.

Born to William John Arent and Genevieve Staniaszek on May 31, 1937, Bill’s early life was marked by both intellectual and athletic excellence. A gifted baseball player, he was recruited straight out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals—an early sign of his drive and talent. Though he chose a different path, baseball remained one of his great lifelong passions.

Bill pursued higher education with focus and determination, attending New York University and later the Wharton School of Business. His studies led him into a distinguished career in civil engineering that took him around the world, allowing him to work on projects of significance while indulging his love of travel, culture, and new experiences.

He was the heart and head of his family—an unwavering source of strength, wisdom, and grace. Bill shared 68 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Carol Arent. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising four children: Debra Arent, William Arent (Lisa), Lynn Capasso (Ralph), and John Arent. He was a proud grandfather to Jordan, Taylor, Morgan, and Cayson, whose lives he enriched with love, stories, and life lessons.

Bill was the reason his family made Charleston their home—a legacy that lives on today. He cherished having his family close by, all living in the same Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, and his happiest moments were spent surrounded by them during holidays, birthdays, and spontaneous gatherings.

Always impeccably dressed—his collared shirts, perfectly pressed khakis, and matching belt and shoes were part of his everyday charm—Bill exuded quiet confidence and timeless style. Even his pajamas were matching sets, a small reflection of the care and pride he took in everything he did, from folding his clothes with precision to offering heartfelt advice.

He was known for his quick wit, endless stories, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. A true gentleman, he lived with loyalty, humility, and deeply rooted values. His kindness, generosity, and optimism touched everyone who knew him. Bill believed in faith, hard work, and the importance of life's simple blessings—values he lived by and passed down to his children and grandchildren.

To know Bill was to know what it means to live a good and meaningful life. His love was constant, his advice wise, and his presence comforting. He often said he was “blessed with a wonderful life filled with family and friends,” but truly, we were the blessed ones—to have been part of his.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life beginning with a public visitation on Monday, August 4th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation – Mount Pleasant Chapel, located at 1520 Rifle Range Road in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1308 Mathis Ferry Road, from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM.

William Charles Arent leaves behind a world better for his presence and hearts fuller for having known him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation ~ Mt. Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, (843) 884-3833.