Willis Euvee "Bill" Josey
Aiken, SC—Mr. Willis Euvee "Bill" Josey, 63, passed away on March 23, 2021.
Bill was born on April 10, 1957 in Augusta, Georgia. Growing up in New Ellenton as the son of an early cold war era SRS operator and his wife, a loving home-maker, he witnessed dramatic changes to his community over his lifetime. He graduated from Aiken High School in 1975, attended USCA and graduated from USC with a degree in journalism in 1979 as a true Gamecock fan.
Bill left South Carolina to pursue a career in the textile industry, working for Menardi-Southern selling filters. He met his beloved wife Marilyn in a Chicago area Saks Fifth Avenue, where she worked and invited her to a Christmas party through a friend. Bill's 36-year career with Riegel in linens, infant bedding and sleepwear began in 1984. His career took him and Marilyn to the Dallas, LA, and NY markets, but he couldn't wait to get back to Aiken. Bill and Marilyn married in 1987 and returned in 1990 to raise their two children — Donald and Allison.
Bill's passion for the people and products of Riegel were the foundation of the company. He began in sales and worked his way to CEO and a member of the board of directors at the time of his passing. Bill was the consummate salesman at all levels of his career but also instrumental in product development and innovation. He traveled the world, never met a stranger and always thought of his customers as friends.
During Masters week customers, friends, and family would end up at the Josey home for ribs, Beaufort boil, or steaks cooked by Bill, a grillmaster in his own right.
It was rare to find Bill sitting still. He loved to work in the yard, play golf at Palmetto with his buddies and spend time fishing and enjoying the sunset on the boat at Lake Murray. He worked hard but was also a professional relaxer and often would kick back by grilling out on his back porch and listening to his playlists.
As a member of South Aiken Presbyterian Church, Bill's faith was always important to him. He taught adult and children's Sunday school.
More than anything, his family and friends meant everything to him. Bill was the life of the party. His theatrical stories, silly sense of humor and dance moves kept people smiling. In his absence, the memories and laughter he shared with those who knew him will keep his presence alive.
To that we say — Keep on shinin' your light
Gonna make everything, everything
Gonna make everything all right.
-Black Water, The Doobie Brothers
Surviving are his beloved wife, Marilyn, of Aiken; son Donald, West Columbia SC, and daughter Allison, Denver, CO; sister, Linda Ricks (Larry), Aiken, brother Lee Josey Jr. (Sandra), Aiken; and numerous dear nieces, nephews, in-laws, aunts, and uncles. Willis was preceded by his parents, Ernest Lee Josey Sr. & Dorothy Holton Josey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to South Aiken Presbyterian Church, 1711 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803 or to the American Heart Association.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date and announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.
Sign the guestbook at The Augusta Chronicle - 03/28/2021