William (Bill) M. Jett of Taylors, SC passed away on June 5, 2020. Bill was born to the late Milan and Veran Jett on May 22, 1934 in the Ottaray community of Union, SC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Harold Jett of Buffalo, SC.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Judith Johnson Jett and a daughter Amy Jett Wylie (Jerry) Greer, SC, and two grandsons, Justin Turner Wylie (Knightdale, NC) and Jacob William Wylie (Columbia, SC). Bill also leaves behind “adopted” daughter Jane Hanna (Rossi) of Clinton, SC and her family. Bill was like a father/grandfather to Jane’s daughters Alyson Sword (Kevin, Williamsburg, VA) and Jenna Livingston (James, Cumming, GA) and all of their beautiful children of whom Bill (“Bull”) was so proud: Ella Jane, Caroline, and William Sword; and Jay, Savanah, Janie, and Charlotte Livingston. And, of course, Bill leaves behind many dear family members and friends across the east coast – in Union and Greenville, from both Carolinas, to south Florida, and to upstate New York and many places in between. He truly touched and enriched many lives.
Bill was a lifetime grocery manager who started with Winn-Dixie and later became regional supervisor for Bi-Lo. He touched and mentored so many through his example of hard work, responsibility, and compassion. After retiring, he drove a Special Needs school bus for Greenville County Schools for well over a decade and impacted countless lives and families with his good humor and his compassion.
Bill was a committed Christian with a strong and unswerving faith in Jesus Christ – a faith he lived out by example. Bill and Judy are members of First Baptist Church, Greenville, SC. Prior to that, they were members of Faith United Methodist Church in Greer, SC. Bill touched many at both houses of worship and was so appreciative of the care and concern of the Rev. Don Tumblin (Faith) and all the ministers at First Baptist.
Bill was a Mason for 56 years and a life member of Union Lodge #75. He joined St. Johns Lodge #333 in Spartanburg in November 1963 and later moved his membership to Union Lodge in August 2001. Bill received a 50-year service award on October 28, 2013.
Bill was a loving husband, father, adopted father, grandfather, adopted grandfather, and friend. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. The constant refrain heard from all who met Bill was, “What a sweet, sweet man he is.” He was a lover of music, of college football, of bird watching, and best friend to his one-eyed rescue cat, Leroy. He will be missed dearly.
A graveside service will be held at Rosemont Cemetery in Union, SC on Monday, June 8. 2020 at 3:00 pm. The service will be led by Dr. Rev. Jim Dant and will be conducted with Masonic Rites, led by Judy’s cousin, Roger Gregory. The family will receive friends afterwards; however, due to COVID19 precautions, we will use appropriate social distancing to reduce risks to our vulnerable friends and family members in attendance. The family will have a memorial service in Greenville at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to your local animal rescue charity to honor Bill’s love for animals.
The S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of William Milan Jett, please visit our floral store.