William Gilmer Redmond

William Gilmer Redmond of Dunwoody GA and Beaufort, SC died July 1, 2010 from complications following several months battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Joan Summers Gill Redmond whom he married just over a year ago on June 13,, 2009 after a 15-year courtship. Joan was deeply loved by Will and stood faithfully by him and his entire family throughout his illness. Will is also survived by three sons, William G. Redmond, Jr. of Woodstock, GA, Mark Andrew Redmond married to Ashley Wieters of Charleston, SC, and Justin Karl Webb Redmond of Georgia Southern College; two daughters, Kathleen Redmond Faircloth married to Ken Faircloth of Conway, SC, and Jennifer Christine Redmond Strawn of Beaufort, SC; a step-daughter, Nancy Gill Berger married to Adam Berger of Dunwoody, a step-son, Curtis Hudson Gill married to Wendy White of Decatur, GA, and sixteen grandchildren, Bryan Keith Strawn, Jr, Erin Louise Berger, Rebecca Elizabeth Strawn, Will Gilmer Redmond, III, William Daniel Faircloth, Anna Kate Berger, Kathleen Redmond Strawn, Taylor Christine Redmond, Karl Maloy Faircloth, John Andrew Redmond, Patrick Panyue Strawn, Grace Xiangzhan Strawn, Jackson White Gill, Ellen Ashley Redmond, Charles Thomas Gill, and Hayden Anne Strawn.
Also survived by two brothers, James Webb Redmond, Jr. married to Edith Balentine Redmond of Salem, SC, and John Andrew Redmond married to Susan Hendrix of Greenville, SC. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 30 years, Kathleen Kitty Elizabeth Turk Redmond.
Will was the second of three boys, born in Greenville, SC on May 15, 1938 to Mildred Gilmer Redmond and James Pat Webb Redmond. He attended Donaldson Elementary, Greenville Junior High, and graduated from Greenville Senior High School where he was named “Best All Around”, “Personality Plus”, listed in the “Hall of Fame” and served in numerous elected offices, including Student Body President. He was a member of Buncombe Street Methodist Church. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Duke University where he participated in the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Program, the Men’s Glee Club, and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Following graduation from Duke, he served as an unrestricted Navy line officer aboard USS TILLS DE-748, USS LAMAR PCE-899, and New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, NY as Flag Lieutenant to the Shipyard Commander.
His civilian career began with J. C. Bradford & Company in Greenville in which he was a successful investment advisor. He developed the first condominium complex in Greenville, Inglewood Condominiums, as well as Stratton Place subdivision.
Moving to Atlanta in 1977, Will was a stock broker at AG Edwards. Later he joined Sunlink, Inc., then the BellSouth real estate holding company, from which he retired after twenty years’ service. While in Atlanta he was active as a Master Mason and a Shriner A.A.O.N.M.S.. He enjoyed singing with the Shrine Chanters, and was an active member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
Will was a life-long actor beginning with the Greenville Little Theatre and stayed involved in community theatre throughout his life including the Dunwoody Stage Door Players. He appeared in both print and television commercials. Will taught Sunday school, played ALTA tennis, and enjoyed a private pilot license.
He and his first wife, Kitty, were foster parents and offered loving care for more than 30 foster children over many years.
Following retirement, Will moved to Beaufort, SC, to be closer to four of his five children and respective grandchildren. In Beaufort, he joined St. Helena’s Episcopal Church and was a beloved member of the community.
Two separate memorials will be held: the family will receive local friends in Beaufort, SC on Saturday, July 10th at noon at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, 505 Church St. Additionally a formal memorial service will be held in Atlanta Sunday, August 1st time to be announced at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be sent to:
Dunwoody United Methodist Church
1548 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Dunwoody GA 30338

Hospice Atlanta
1244 Park Vista Dr
Atlanta, GA 30319

Parish Church of St. Helena
P.O. Box 1043
Beaufort, SC 29901