William "Bill" Terrell

1941 - 2021

William "Bill" Terrell
December 11, 1941 - July 15, 2021
Columbia, South Carolina - William "Bill" Terrell, pioneering broadcaster and community leader, died on Thursday, July 15, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was 79 years old. William Eugene Terrell was born December 11, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee to Amos Terrell and the former Alma Thornton. His early education was received in the Memphis school system. He began his college career at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he pledge Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Later, he graduated from Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis. Bill received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.
His career in radio broadcasting began in high school. He and lifelong friend, Wash Allen, worked together at WLOK. Bill was the youngest ever disc jockey at radio station WDIA, the first station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans. In 1967, he moved to Columbia and joined radio station WOIC as their morning drive personality. One year later he premiered on SCETV as Jobman, on the groundbreaking television show "Jobman Caravan" highlighting career opportunities for the underserved. It also featured interviewing tips and entertainment. The show garnered SCETV their first EMMY Award just one year after its debut. Continuing his effort to inform, enlighten and empower South Carolinians and beyond, Bill Terrell executively produced SCETV's "For the People," featuring Listervelt Middleton and targeting the African American audience. For many years he was the voice of the South Carolina State University Bulldogs' football team, providing play by play and commentary as well as game analysis. In 2002, Bill was inducted into the South Carolina State Athletics University Hall of Fame. Bill inspired radio audiences on WWDM by interacting, entertaining and informing his listeners. He also hosted a community talk show on WGCV currently WFMV. Before fully retiring, he became a visiting professor of broadcasting at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
In 2016, Bill Terrell received the Master Award in recognition for outstanding lifetime achievements as on-air talent, broadcast educator and community servant.
He is survived by his four children, Terri (Raymond) Bynoe of Columbia, Todd Terrell of Los Angeles, Tiffany Terrell of Columbia, and Tocquin Terrell of Columbia; as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Gloria Dean Dearing of Lemon Grove, California, Patricia Collins and Ann (Sammie) Robinson, both of Memphis; two brothers, Richard (Margaret) Terrell and Donald Terrell, both of Memphis; a special aunt, Katherine Terrell of Memphis; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and former wife, Patricia Smith Terrell.
Deepest gratitude to Prisma Health Hospice and particularly Sharon Jordan, RN.