William Gnann

WHITE ROCK - Sidney Gnann (William S. Gnann) died Saturday, February 25th at age 102 at The Heritage at the Lowman Home in White Rock, SC. He was predeceased by his wife, Prema Lever Gnann: three sisters, Bertha and Essie Gnann of Stillwell, GA, Miriam Gnann of White Rock, SC and two brothers, Herman and Edward Gnann of Stillwell.

Mr. Gnann was a graduate of Newberry College with a master’s degree from Emory University. During World War II he served as Navigation Training Officer in naval aviation. After release from active duty he taught mathematics at Georgia Tech, and then served as the first civilian Education Director at Fort Jackson. He also taught at Midland Technical College, Columbia College, and the University of South Carolina. He retired as Deputy Director of Comprehensive Health Planning for the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

He was a charter member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, played violin and saxophone in several dance combos, and played violin for church services, weddings, and other occasions through his 100th birthday.

With his late wife he was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church, Columbia, and St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Chapin. They were continuous benefactors of Newberry College and Camp Lutheridge, and were recognized for their volunteer activities with public schools through Project LOVE.

He is survived by a niece, Ava Gnann Hartzog, and five nephews, Walter Gnann (Carolyn), Ralph Gnann (Jane), and Philip Gnann (Jackie), all of Stillwell, GA, plus John Wolff of Columbia, and The Rev. Larry Wolff of Pinehurst, NC. He is also survived by godchildren, Sidney M. Gnann of Dayton, OH, Heather Butler of Rocky Mountain, NC, and Sean Wolff of Columbia, SC.

Family visitation will be at the Living Word Chapel at the Health and Rehabilitation Center at the Lowman Home in White Rock, SC from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, followed by a 3:00 p.m. worship service and interment at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Chapin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Thomas Lutheran Church or the Walter and Hortensia Gnann Memorial Scholarship at Newberry College, 2100 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108. Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel is assisting the family.