B Clement Williams, 71, filled life with challenges
January 16, 2022
Bruce Clement Williams of Pawleys Island died Jan. 16 after a year with flioblastoma, which he fought up to his last breath. He was 71.
Known as B Clement, his family said he was a hard man to sum up in an obituary, as his significance and impact on those who knew him can’t be expressed with words. He showed kindness and respect to all he encountered, had a determination to make the world a better place and fight injustice and held gratitude for living a life rich in laughter while embracing every given moment.
He was born in November 1950 in Goldsboro, N.C., the son of Everett and Cora Williams. He spent his life in South Carolina, ending up in Pawleys Island. He regarded North Georgia College for taking a chance on him — even as he almost flunked out — as he believed the college, and the friendships made there, contributed to his success.
His career was with Southern Systems (Southern Imaging) out of Florence, and he later co-founded Black Mule Print in Conway, now run by his son Steven. While he recognized he wasn’t always the easiest person to work with, he hoped those he encountered along the way, and those he spent his days with, knew how much they meant to him and how those relationships made his life rewarding. He would be laughing now reminiscing about all the pranks he played during hard work days; he loved to bring a smile to others.
Throughout his life, Mr. Williams loved traveling with his wife of more than 46 years, Kathy. They traveled with friends and family and built lasting memories. While traveling for pleasure was always enjoyed, he also pushed himself spiritually, mentally and physically through solo journeys, including backpacking through Europe, working at a cattle ranch in Wyoming and weeks in Spain hiking along the Camino de Santiago. He would encourage others to live life to the fullest and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world, even through the troubled days.
He was also an author, taking a year off work to write a book. The novel, “Wasting Perfect Conditions,” became a staple recommendation for those who read it. In retirement, Mr. Williams continued to challenge himself. He volunteered in the neonatal intensive care unit at MUSC, holding premature babies and providing them warmth and love to continue their own growth. He learned woodworking and made rocking horses for children, took long walks with the family dogs and spent time at the beach.
His family said he would be remembered for the world he showed them, the life of love he gave them, the laughter they shared — even all those dad jokes to which he was famous — and the tools he provided for them to live a rich and rewarding life. They would continue living his motto of “work hard, do your best, and have a good time,” and realize that maybe he was the self-titled “world’s smartest man” after all.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Ward Wiliams; his children, Steven Williams (Jillian) of Myrtle Beach, Brooke David (Byron) of Myrtle Beach and Lindsay Williams of New York; his grandchildren, Annabelle and Phoenix Williams, and Everett and Cooper David; his sister, Kathy Williams Day (Rick); and many nieces and nephews.
His sister, LaDell Williams Dixon, and another granddaughter, Charlotte Williams, died before him.
Services were held Saturday at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Conway.
Memorials may be made to his granddaughter’s charity, Charlotte’s Greyces, which helps families with palliative care, P.O. Box 1203, Conway, SC 29528. His family said Mr. Williams would also encourage people to live their life fully, respect others and show kindness to all they encounter.
