William McGill Ellen

Bishopville, S.C.

William McGill Ellen joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 30, 2024. He was born in Bishopville, South Carolina on November 25, 1924 at his grandparents’ home on Davis Street. He was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and served as a radio operator in Scotland, England, France, Belgium and Germany. During his service he received four battle stars: Northern France, Air Offensive Europe, Rhineland and Central Europe. He also received the Belgian Fouragere for meritorious service during the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged on October 10, 1945 and returned to his home in Lee County. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in January, 1946 and graduated with a B.A. in business in December,1951. He married Ada Margaret (“Mot”) Copeland on February 22, 1951. They were married for 65 years until Mot’s passing in 2016. Together they had three children William Monroe Ellen (Jackie), Robert McGill Ellen (Dawn) and Jean Elizabeth Owen (Paul). William’s grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Pop”, include Hannah Amell (Jared), Gretchen Jordan (Steven), Mary Margaret Grantham (Zach), Heath Owen (Samantha), Justin Owen (Elliott), Mac Ellen, Sydney Ellen and Copeland Ellen. Great grandchildren: Cade Amell, Ellie Amell, Reid Amell, Beau Amell, Monroe Jordan, Wallace Jordan, Eli Jordan, Mary Jennings Grantham, Ryann Grantham, Hallie Grantham and Baby Owen (arriving in June, 2025).

  Ellen was a former Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and also served as Commander of the American Legion in Lee County. He was also a former President of the Rotary Club and an active member of the Civitan Club. He was recently honored by the City of Bishopville proclaiming December 3, 2024 as William Ellen Day. He was also honored on December 16, 2024 at a joint meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion recognizing his long term membership and former leadership of both organizations. William was a man of strong faith serving his church and who read the Bible through twice and the New Testament three times. 

  William farmed for 16 years until he was elected Treasurer of Lee County on July 1, 1967. He served as Treasurer for five terms. After being defeated in his sixth election campaign, he retired to the home he was born in. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and his Gamecocks. William was an avid Gamecock fan who traveled to every home game and away game with his beloved Mot for several years in their Gamecock van. After Mot’s passing he continued attending every home game including this season. He was a one half scholarship donor to the Gamecock Club for 51 years. In 2015 he was named Legendary Fan of the Game and was honored on the field at Williams Brice Stadium prior to kickoff. William also enjoyed spending time at his home on Lake Wateree where he and Mot both enjoyed watching their grandchildren fish and swim in the lake and entertaining family and friends.

  William was predeceased by his beloved wife Mot, his parents David Monroe Ellen, Sr. and Carrie McGill Ellen and his brothers David Monroe Ellen, Jr. and John Henry Ellen, II.

Funeral services will be held Thursday January 2, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Bethlehem Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Alexander will officiate. Burial will be in the Bethlehem Cemetery directed by Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Angela Staples and her daughter, Tiffany Staples, for their attentive care for Mr. William and Kaye James, Joey, Jay, Shavon, and Sally of Amedisys Hospice. The family also thanks Jean Jones for her kindness and care for Mr. William. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 167, Bishopville, SC 29010 or a donation to www.curingkidscancer.org.