Giving
The Bill Carson Memorial Fund
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Bill Carson is the loving husband of longtime Prep faculty member, Freddie Carson. Freddie has been a part of the Hilton Head Prep family for over 40 years.
William DesChamps Carson, 84, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away on March 6, 2025. Born on April 5, 1940, in Sumter, SC, Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who left an indelible mark on the Hilton Head community. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph DeVeaux Carson, and mother, Caroline Deschamps, and a sister, Caroline Rickenbaker.
William DesChamps Carson, 84, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away on March 6, 2025. Born on April 5, 1940, in Sumter, SC, Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who left an indelible mark on the Hilton Head community. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph DeVeaux Carson, and mother, Caroline Deschamps, and a sister, Caroline Rickenbaker.
Bill was a proud graduate of Clemson University, Class of 1963, and a member of Kappa Delta Chi fraternity. Bill remained a devoted Tiger fan throughout his life. He served his country with honor in the United States Army, stationed at Ft. Benning as a First Lieutenant in the 7th Air Cavalry where he trained troops just prior to the Vietnam War.
After his military service, Bill and Frederica Hunter Carson married in Auburn, AL on May 21, 1966. Bill moved to Hilton Head Island in 1965 to work for Charles Fraser at the Sea Pines Plantation Company. Bill collaborated with renowned designers Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye and over the years played a major role in building several of the island's first golf courses, and specifically the world-renowned Harbour Town Golf Links.
Bill's passion for golf and his expertise in course design made him a natural fit to serve as Tour Director for the Heritage golf tournament from 1975-1979. During his tenure, he helped establish the tournament as a premier event on the PGA Tour, and his contributions to the island's golf scene continue to be felt today.
Bill was a 54-year member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill was a devoted coach and mentor, helping to create the Gator youth football program in Hilton Head in 1969, where he coached until 1976. He coached the Middle School football team at Hilton Head Prep for several years. He also attended countless sporting events at Hilton Head Prep, always cheering on the teams and supporting the students. He was remembered as Coach Carson by his former players throughout the years.
He was also a talented author, and in 2018 he published "The Emancipation Procrastination", a quasi-fictional book that drew on his first-hand observations of desegregation in the Deep South after the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.
Bill's commitment to his community was unwavering, and he served in many different capacities over the years. He was recognized as Hilton Head JayCee's Man of the Year in 1972, and he took great joy in donating his time and resources to support local charitable organizations. One of his favorite ways to give back was as a member of the Broken Arrow BBQ team, which helped raise funds for various causes and brought people together through the universal languages of good food and good company.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman and had many adventures to Alaska and other locations with his buddies. In his later years he greatly enjoyed Wednesday lunches at Cahill’s with several life-long friends.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frederica Hunter Carson; his daughters, Beth Comstock (Brent) and Aimee Bobik; his grandson, Carson McDowell; and his brother Joseph “Joe” Carson (Eleanor). Nephew and nieces include Wilson Rickenbaker, Caroline Rickenbaker, Nell Stone, Caroline Halsey, and Chrissie Batten.
Bill's legacy will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his commitment to making a positive impact on the community around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and his contributions will continue to inspire and uplift the Hilton Head community he loved.
A Celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 2:00pm at St. Luke's Anglican Church on Hilton Head Island.
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