William "Bill" Ophir Vellenoweth

William “Bill” Ophir Vellenoweth, 65 of Charleston, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Born May 13, 1957 in Wheeling, WV, Bill was a beloved son of Ophir Vellenoweth and the late Patti Vellenoweth (Ulrich).

Bill was a loving, devoted husband to Lisa and loving, supportive father to Courtney. His family was his top priority, and he was always there with a word of encouragement or a quick joke to make everyone laugh. He was known to everyone as a steady, kind soul who was welcoming to all he met.

He was a proud graduate of The Citadel, always regaling with stories about his classmates from the class of 1981.

Throughout his life, Bill loved to share his interests with others. Whether he was watching football, listening to classic rock, cheering on his favorite NASCAR drivers, or skydiving with his friends and family, his joy for life was contagious and those around him couldn’t help but smile.

His love for animals knew no bounds. From having pet raccoons and groundhogs as a child to snakes, dogs, cats, and performing any number of wildlife saves throughout the years, Bill earned the nickname of “Doolittle” from his family.

A constant presence at his church, Bill was readily willing to assist and step in wherever he was needed. His love for the Lord permeated his daily life. Whether he was praying Psalm 23 with Lisa daily before departing for work or leading small group on Sunday morning, Bill’s passion for Christ was clear. This passion is an incalculable comfort to his family as they know he has moved on to be with his Savior.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Patti Vellenoweth and his sister, Cheryl Ramsey. He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Courtney Carter (Kevin), father Ophir Vellenoweth, brother Scott Vellenoweth (Christina), brother Elrod Vellenoweth (Susy), sister Janet Dowler (Darren), and a loving extended family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11:00am at Fort Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Road in Charleston, SC.

The service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Fort Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Road in Charleston, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fort Johnson Baptist Church’s Restore the Church Restoration Process Fund.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.