William Roddey “Bill” Britton, 89, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Covenant Place. He was the husband of the late Anne Godwin Britton.
He was born Dec. 27, 1922, five miles south of Sumter, a son of the late John Bossard Britton and Christine Rappe Britton. He attended Sumter city schools and, in 1940, entered Clemson College, studying electrical engineering. At the end of his junior year in 1943, he entered military service, along with his entire class. Commissioned a second lieutenant in 1944, he had assignments in six southeastern states until discharge from service in February 1946. Mr. Britton ginned cotton at Britton Siding, Dalzell, and Rembert for 22 years. In 1961, he founded and managed Sumter Stress-Crete, a manufacturer of pre-stressed concrete used in construction of schools, churches, and commercial buildings. This plant was sold to Florence Concrete Products with the plant remaining in Sumter. In 1970, he founded Power-Clean Systems, a local manufacturer of self-service car wash equipment, as well as the sale and service of automatic car washes. He retired from this company in 1990.
Mr. Britton was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on its board of stewards, as well as the Sumter County Development Board and the Salvation Army Board. He was the first chairman of the Sumter Planning Commission and was a longtime member of the Fortnightly Club.
Surviving are a daughter, Susan Britton James of Columbia; a son, William R. Britton Jr.(Karen); grandson, John W. Britton; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Britton, all of Sumter.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Anne Britton; and his brother, John B. “Jack” Britton Jr.
A memorial service for Mr. Britton will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kevin Gorry officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. in the church parlor.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore-Hill-McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.
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