William Henry Blythe

William Henry “Bill” Blythe, born on December 10, 1940, passed away on July 21, 2026 in Columbia, SC. He lived a full and remarkable life marked by curiosity, kindness, ingenuity, and a deep love for his family, friends, and community.

He grew up in a “telephone family,” where his dad—and generations of uncles and cousins throughout North Carolina and South Carolina—were loyal to “Ma Bell.” He went on to retire from Southern Bell/BellSouth after 31 years of service, serving in a variety of management and non-management roles throughout South Carolina and Georgia. During his career, he earned a patent for an invention that helped prevent coins from being stolen from pay phones—a fitting achievement for someone who could study a problem, take it apart in his mind, and build a practical solution.

A true tinkerer at heart, he could fix just about anything—and he was happiest when using those gifts to help someone else. He was known for showing up when people needed a hand, especially older neighbors and friends who needed a little extra care. Whether he was working on someone’s car, cutting grass, repairing something that seemed beyond repair, or offering his well-known “free” advice, he gave generously of his time, talent, and good humor.

He had an adventurous spirit and a love for anything with an engine. He once built an experimental airplane in his living room and was featured on the cover of Popular Mechanics flying his “Jeanie’s Teeny” one-person plane. He raced Volkswagens with souped-up engines, supported his sons’ love of motorcycle racing, flew airplanes, and found joy in every machine that could move fast, fly high, or be made better with a little imagination.

He also loved fishing and hunting, especially at his beloved Tanyard, where he made treasured memories with his dad and sons. He took great joy in sharing his love of flying with children through the Young Eagles program at Owens Field, giving young people the chance to experience the wonder of flight and the excitement that had captured his own heart.

He was a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers retiree group from BellSouth and was active with the Talking Book Club, where he helped repair book recorders for the blind. He was also a member of the Columbia Oyster Club and the Lexington Wildlife Chapter. Through these groups and throughout his everyday life, he built friendships, shared stories, lent a hand, and brought laughter wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Susie Chapman Blythe Craven; his second wife, Betty Toney Blythe; and his parents, W.W. “Ott” and Dorothy “Dot” Blythe.

He is survived by his daughter, Barrie Kirk (Jack); his sons, David (Shannon) and Steve (Regina); his grandchildren, Taylor Kirk (Meredith), Claire Blythe, Sophie Blythe, and Preston Blythe; and his great-grandchildren, Reese Kirk and James Kirk.

He will be remembered as loving, funny, generous, inventive, and endlessly helpful—a man who made life more interesting, more joyful, and a little easier for the people around him. His stories, his laughter, his advice, and his unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A private family graveside service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville, North Carolina, on Monday, September 14, at 10:00 a.m.