Mr. Bill Ranson

William Farris Ranson, III, PhD and PE, 84, of Columbia, SC, died suddenly on February 11, 2023, with his wife by his side. Born in Fairfield, Alabama, he was the son of the late William Farris Ranson, Jr. and Myrldon Carson Ranson. He graduated Auburn University with a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering and graduated the University of Illinois in 1971, with a PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. A 37 year career in teaching and research at Auburn and University of South Carolina followed. So did numerous awards and accomplishments which he would be embarrassed to have enumerated for he was a humble man. Most notably in his career, however, was writing the seminal paper in Digital Image Correlation technology that is used today and continues to be cited in numerous engineering journals. He retired USC a Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 2008, and upon retirement was the founder and president of Direct Measurements, Inc., the focus of which was 2D optic strain measurement solutions with a primary focus on high temperature strain/creep monitoring. After retiring from it, he tried to enjoy taking it easy but never quite succeeded in just putting his feet up. His mind was forever active and creative. Consequently he became the cofounder of 3D Strain LLC focusing on 3D damage detection solutions for high temperature environments. Not only was he a brilliant innovator with a steady stream of technological ideas but he was a genuinely kind, generous, loving and gentle man with a poker face and a soft spoken demeanor. He was forever a rock in the storm with words of encouragement and uplifting assistance to all. He was also a deeply religious man, trusting in the Lord’s teachings of kindness, generosity and forgiveness. He is survived by his wife and best friend Carol A. Heft Able, his daughter Bonnie Sanders (Frank), his stepson Stephen F. Able, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son William Brian Ranson, his stepson Jeffrey W. Able and his granddaughter Karissa Green. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated February 20th at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Final commendations and farewell prayers will follow next door in the Church Columbarium with all invited afterward to gather for food and reception in the Church’s Ministries building. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Bill Ranson, are asked to consider St Joseph Church or grade school, the Oliver Gospel Mission or any charitable organization of your choice.

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Mr. Bill Ranson

June 24, 1938 - February 11, 2023