William "Bill" Terrell

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the Elm Abode Mansion 1335 Elm Abode Terrace Columbia, South Carolina. Masks are required and we thank you for your understanding in the matter. William "Bill" Terrell, pioneering broadcaster and community leader, died on Thursday, July 15, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was 79 years old. William Eugene Terrell was born December 11, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee to Amos Terrell and the former Alma Thornton. His early education was received in the Memphis school system. He began his college career at Fisk University in Nashville, later graduating from Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis. Bill received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. His career in radio broadcasting began in high school. Bill was the youngest ever disc jockey at radio station WDIA, the first station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans. In 1967, he moved to Columbia and joined radio station WOIC as their morning drive personality. One year later he premiered on SCETV as Jobman, on the groundbreaking television show "Jobman Caravan" highlighting career opportunities for the underserved. It also featured interviewing tips and entertainment. The show garnered SCETV their first EMMY Awards just one year after its debut. Continuing his effort to inform, enlighten and empower South Carolinians and beyond, Bill Terrell executively produced SCETV's "For the People," featuring Listervelt Middleton and targeting the African American audience. For many years he was the voice of the South Carolina State University Bulldogs' football team, providing play by play and commentary as well as game analysis. In 2002, Bill was inducted into the South Carolina  State Athletics University Hall of Fame. Bill Inspired radio audiences on WWDM by interacting, entertaining and informing his listeners. Before fully retiring, he became a visiting professor of broadcasting at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In 2016, Bill Terrell received the Master Award in recognition for outstanding lifetime achievements as on-air talent, broadcast educator and community servant. He is survived by his four children, Terri (Raymond) Bynoe of Columbia, Todd Terrell of Los Angeles, Tiffany Terrell of Columbia, and Tocquin Terrell of Columbia, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, two brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and former wife, Patricia Smith Terrell. Deepest gratitude to Prisma Health Hospice and particularly Sharon Jordan, RN.

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