William David Bilton

William David Bilton, 65, of Columbia, husband of Jan Tate Bilton, entered eternal rest on Friday, February 18, 2022. William was born November 6, 1956, in Orangeburg, SC, son of the late James Woodrow "Jim" Bilton, Sr. and Lurene Stephens Bilton. He graduated from St. George High School in 1975 and entered the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1979 with a major in Political Science and minor in Business Administration. In 1987, he obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of South Carolina and was admitted to practice in South Carolina Courts and U.S. District Court for South Carolina. His life revolved around Public Service as an Assistant Solicitor, and he created many programs and services with the 16th Circuit Judicial Solicitor’s office to benefit the community at large. He was involved with organizations and committees which have advanced the judicial process for all. He established the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination, as well as several diversional/treatment court programs and community services. He has contributed to criminal and juvenile justice legislation for over a quarter of a century. He was a 2011 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award, and was very active in the South Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee. 

A few of William's favorite things were his family, history, government, and politics, especially "Yellow Dog Democrat"; but, most of all, college football and his beloved Gamecocks! His family was always closest to his heart, and he smiled every time he talked about them. He was very proud of his involvement with AA (Alcohol Anonymous), where he earned 20 medallions in his Recovery Box after 20 years of sobriety.  

Surviving is his wife, Jan Tate Bilton; two children, Lauren Bilton Goldman (Anthony) and son William Whitaker "Will" Bilton II; two grandchildren David Allyn Goldman and Nathan Traxler Goldman; one brother, Allen McKinley "Al" Bilton (Judy); sisters-in-law, Cassandra Bilton and Barbara Bilton; his four nephews, James Woodrow "Jamie" Bilton Ill (Tammie); Richard Joseph "Joey" Bilton (Johna); Allen McKinley "Kin" Bilton, Jr. (Allison); Jared Stephens Bilton (Susan); two nieces Ashley Bilton Utsey (Mac) and Marla Bilton Westbury (Craig); numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews. Brothers who predeceased him, James Woodrow "Woody" Bilton, Jr. and Jerome Stephens "Steve" Bilton.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia with the Reverend Smoke Kanipe officiating. Visitation will be an hour before the service beginning at 10:00 AM in the church. Presenters will be The Honorable C. Kelley Jackson, and Frank B. Caggiano. Burial will follow at 2:30 PM at Black Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2592 County Line Road, Cross, SC. Pallbearers will be The Honorable C. Kelley Jackson; Jeffrey B. Moore; John A. McAllister, Jr.; William C. "Ace" Wesley; John P. Meadors; James M. Morton, Jr. With honorary pallbearers being the Judicial Circuit Solicitors, past and present; SCCPC employees, past and present; Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office employees, past and present. 

Memorials may be made to ACOA, 2015 College Street, Columbia SC 29205_The family will receive friends at the home of Al and Judy Bilton, 2716 Camden Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059 immediately following the graveside services

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