Obituary of William Edward Caughman

A graveside service celebrating the life of William Edward Caughman, Jr., 87, of Columbia will be held at 11a.m. on Monday, September 20, 2010 in Greenlawn Memorial Park with the Reverend Kathleen Chartier officiating. The family will receive friends from 4p.m. to 6p.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one?s choice. The family has entrusted Greenlawn Funeral Home with the arrangements. Mr. Caughman died on Wednesday, September 15, 2010. He was born on January 20, 1923 in Columbia, SC to William Edward Caughman, Sr. and Ila Roddy Caughman. Bill, as he was known to friends and family, graduated from University High School in 1940 and served in the 8th Air Force during World War II. In 1950 he graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. For 19 years he owned and operated Central Drug Store, which was opened in 1908 by his father. A popular meeting place for local Columbians, the Main Street drug store was later relocated to the St. Andrews area. Mr. Caughman spent the last ten years of his career as Chief Pharmacist for the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control. Raised in the Lutheran faith, he was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Bill will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of hunting and fishing, dancing to big band music, watching USC football and spending as much time as possible at Pawley?s Island, SC. Mr. Caughman was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Dr. Belton ?B.D? Caughman. Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Virginia ?Ginna? Wylie Caughman; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Linda Caughman; a daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Pete Smolen; son, Joe Caughman; grandchildren, Scott Caughman, Taylor Caughman, Claire Caughman Harper and husband Homer Harper, III; a step-granddaughter, Beth Smolen Gray; a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Marion and Barbara Caughman; and a sister-in-law, Helen Caughman. The family wishes to thank the Rosalie Bomar Special Care Unit of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community for their expert care of Bill during his last year of life. The family also extends a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Palmetto Health Richland Emergency Center and 10th Floor for their compassionate care.