William B Regan

William Bennett Regan, an attorney and resident of Folly Beach, died August 25, 2011. He was 75. Bill was born in Charleston on March 12, 1936, the son of the late John Raymond and Rosalie Gertrude (Bennett) Regan. He was a graduate of Murray Vocational High School, the College of Charleston, where he was student body president, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Between his high school and college years, he served his country in the United States Navy. Bill's legal career spanned some 42 years, 27 of which included his service as Corporation Counsel for the City of Charleston. His legal skills and creativity were instrumental in bringing to fruition many major City initiatives of that time, including Waterfront Park, Charleston Center, tourism management and a vast expansion of City boundaries. Bill relished being a lawyer. His legal talents were only outmatched by his lightning quick wit and disarming charm. He retired from the active practice of law in 2008. Bill was a student of architecture, an avid bird watcher and a more than capable woodworker, once he got past the "planning and estimating" stage of a project. And, he had a gift for telling really good stories. Bill is survived by his wife, Frances Isaac Cantwell, his sister, Catherine Elizabeth (Betty) White, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend, Derrell Crosby, who had his back over the last precious years of his life. He was predeceased by first wife Carol Boyd Regan and daughter Isadora (Kelly) Regan. The family and friends of William Bennett Regan are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Monday, August 29, 2011 at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., followed by a program celebrating Bill's life. Burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Charleston School of Law Foundation, William Bennett Regan Scholarship Fund, P.O.Box 535, Charleston, S.C. 29402, the College of Charleston Foundation, 66 George Street, Charleston, S.C. 29424 or another charity of choice. Bill's guestbook may be signed at www.jamesmcalister.com. Arrangements by JAMES A. McALISTER Funerals & Cremation. 766-1365.