William McCants Jr

June 28, 1938 - December 25, 2017

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV Bro. William McCants, Jr, transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to his eternal rest on Monday evening, December 25, 2017. Born June 28, 1938, in Sumter, S.C, he was eldest of the seven children born to the late Mr. William, Sr. and Mrs. Isabelle Britton McCants. He graduated from Eastern High School in Class of 1958 and continued his education at Central Carolina Technical College (formerly known as Sumter Tech). He successfully completed his studies, receiving a Welding Technology Certificate and Supervision Level Certificate. Additionally, he received his Barber’s License from the South Carolina State Board of Examiners. His educational accomplishments prepared him for employment in the work force. He worked at B. L. Montague as a Welder and Supervisor at Eaton Cutler Hammer Manufacturing Plant of Sumter, South Carolina. While at Eaton, he coached their basketball team that competed in the community leagues. He retired from Eaton after 21 years of dedicated service. He was a man of many talents and abilities. He also farmed for many years, specializing in growing soybean and corn. He was a gifted carpenter and even for a time, worked as a truck driver. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but gardening and lawn care were his passion. Affectionately called “Mr. Junior”, he was a lifelong member of Beulah AME Church, where he served faithfully in many capacities and ministries: member of the Senior Trustee Board, Lay Organization, Church School Department and the Sons of Allen/Men’s Club. He was the Founder of the former Inspirational Choir at Beulah. His greatest joy was serving on the Trustee Board and Director of the Church Van Transportation Ministry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: two sisters: Mrs. Victoria McCants McKnight and Mrs. Ruth McCants Shaw; former wife, Darnella Dupree McCants and one grandson, Olando Jenkins. Left to mourn his death and rejoice in his life are: his children; Jimmy (Michelle) Pringle of High Point, North Carolina; Michael (Adell) Anthony and Corey McFadden of Sumter, SC; William Jared McCants, Joycelyn Ann McCants, Reginald D. McCants, and Regina (Stacey) Reardon, all of Fort Worth, Texas; four siblings: Retired PE Rev. Dr. Robert L. (Maggie Ruth ) McCants, Dr. Elijah (Robin) McCants, and Ms. Marie McCants, all of Sumter, South Carolina, and Rev. Moses (Sadie) McCants of Augusta¸ Georgia; 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.