William Clair

William Robert "Billy" Clair III entered eternal rest on Friday, September 26, 2025. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Billy was born in Charleston, SC on July 2, 1942, to William Robert, Jr. and Elizabeth Masche Clair. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School before graduating from Bishop England High School in 1960. His years there were especially meaningful, as he not only loved playing football but also built friendships that would last a lifetime. Billy later went on to Clemson University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1965.

In 1966, Billy entered the United States Air Force. He trained as a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom with skill and dedication and retired with the rank of Captain in 1970. He began his civilian career at the Charleston Naval Shipyard before transitioning to the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, retiring after 30 years of service.

A devout Catholic, Billy was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church as well as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Billy's greatest joy in life was his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Whether sharing stories, offering wisdom or simply enjoying their company, Billy found true happiness in being a loving and present grandfather. His warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Billy expressed his creativity through woodworking and furniture making. He also had a passion for music, playing the bass guitar and playing in a band later in life. Billy was blessed with an incredible circle of friends who brought joy, laughter and companionship. He cherished the adventures they shared: traveling to new places, dancing away countless Friday nights and spending decades enjoying cherished beach weeks together. These moments were filled with love, laughter and lasting memories. His legacy lives on not only in the beautiful things he created, but in his children and grandchildren as well as the lives he touched with his kindness and devotion.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Pitts Clair; his children Ashley Clair Linder (David), William Robert "Robby" Clair IV (Angela), Mark Joseph Clair (Jennifer), Amy Clair Kofke (Cameron); and nine grandchildren: Morgan, William, Abbey, Sullivan, Meredith, Ann Connolly, Ian, Brennan and Ryan.

Billy is also survived by his sister Eileen Clair Blacklocke (John); his brother Kenneth Joseph Clair (Joan Marie); and his brother-in-law Joseph L. Pitts, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blessed Sacrament Building a Bridge to a Brighter Future Campaign, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.