William Black "Buz" Sawyer

William Black Sawyer, 82, of 100 Gordon Street, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the Saluda Nursing Center. Mr. Sawyer was born and raised in Edgefield County SC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Joan Brooks Sawyer, his brother, Dr. Robert L. Sawyer of Saluda SC, and his parents Willie Lee and Lois Black Sawyer of Johnston, SC. Surviving are his three children; Alexis Sawyer Nash and husband Ken Nash of Gastonia, NC, Marion Lee Verma and husband Shyam of Columbia, SC and Lois Angela Bryant of Abbeville, and three grandchildren; Joshua Lamar Bryant, Lauren Bryant Hudson and Andrew Verma and two great-grandchildren. William "Buz" graduated from Clemson University in 1951 earning a BS in Textile Manufacturing, and was a Captain in the Clemson Corps of Cadets of the ROTC. Mr. Sawyer was a Veteran of the Korean War, where he served two years in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant. He retired after 35 years with the Deering Milliken Company and worked in the Johnston, Clemson, Spartanburg Corporate and Abbeville locations in management positions. He worked with Junior Achievement and was a member of the Abbeville Lions Club. He also enjoyed driving the buses for the Church and Band to events. After his retirement from Milliken he worked part-time with the Abbeville County Agent Office and at Hunters Creek Golf Club in Greenwood. 'Buz' and his late wife, Joan, were blessed with many wonderful retirement years together enjoying traveling and golfing trips. 'Buz' will be remembered for his love of golf, fishing and trips to the lake. He will also be remembered for always being there to help and generously give to his friends, family and neighbors. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Abbeville, the Adult II Sunday School Class and a faithful servant there for many years in other capacities. The family would like to thank all the wonderful employees at the Saluda Nursing Center Riley Unit and Dr. Bill Sawyer for their special care and love during Mr. Sawyers stay there. The family will receive friends from 11:00AM to 12:00PM on Monday, September 19, 2011 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00PM on Monday, September 19, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, Abbeville, SC. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery with military honors. Memorials in memory of Mr. Sawyer may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 825, Abbeville, SC 29620. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES of Abbeville is assisting the Sawyer family.