William David Wannamaker

Sapphire - William David Wannamaker died on Sunday, May 11, 2008, in the Highland-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands, North Carolina after a long battle with cancer. He passed peacefully with his family at his side.

Bill was born on February 29, 1928, to Herbert Lee and Pauline Taylor Wannamaker of 5 Halsey Street, Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating from Charleston High School, Bill attended the University of Kentucky, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. While playing football for Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, he was twice named All-American SEC. The Kentucky Wildcats were the National Champions in 1950, the SEC Champions in 1950, and the Sugar Bowl Champions in 1951. Bill was awarded the honorary distinction of "Kentucky Colonel."

After graduating from college in 1951, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to the West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he coached football with Vince Lombardi. While at West Point, Bill met his future bride, Ann Collette Rauner of Fort Montgomery, New York. Ann and Bill were married in the West Point Chapel on April 25, 1953. Upon the completion of his military service, Bill turned down an offer to play professional football with the New York Giants to accept a job with the General Electric Corporation. During the course of his thirty-five year career with General Electric, Bill worked in many of the corporation's divisions and received numerous awards for his innovative contributions to the manufacturing process. Bill finished his tenure with General Electric as the Manager of Manufacturing at the company's Neutron Devices Plant in Largo, Florida, and retired on December 31, 1986.

Upon retirement, Ann and Bill built a home in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where they lived for the next fifteen years. Bill remained very active in his retirement: he was an avid gardener, he enjoyed all sports, and he and his wife traveled extensively. Five years ago, Ann and Bill left Florida and built a home in Sapphire, North Carolina.

Bill leaves behind his wife Ann, of 55 years; their five children: William David, Jr. of San Francisco, California; Andrew Lee of Pendleton, Kentucky; Paul Taylor of Clearwater, Florida; Kelly Wannamaker Brown of Newville, Pennsylvania; and Claire Wannamaker Flowers of Holiday, Florida; and two grandchildren, Ethan Lee Wannamaker and Annie Katherine Wannamaker.

A memorial Mass will be held on June 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Jude's Church in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude's Church.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences can be made by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email..