Dr. William "Bill" Edgar Carson Jr., 81, of Columbia, died Friday, December 28, 2012. Born in Knoxville, TN, on June 20, 1931, he was a son of the late William Edgar Carson Sr. and Gertrude Griffith Carson. Dr. Carson was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and received his master's degree from the University of South Carolina and doctorate in education from Georgia State University. As a dedicated educator, he served as a superintendent of North and Bishopville, SC, public schools and Director of the Metropolitan Regional Education Service Agency in Rome, GA. He was a devoted husband and father, and a faithful and beloved member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and Sunday School teacher. With a passion for gardening and history, he became a Master Gardener and was a long serving volunteer at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and docent at Historic Columbia Foundation.

Dr. Carson is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Carson, and their son, Evan W. Carson; also surviving him are sons, John and Greg Carson, daughter, Nora Shealy (Jeff), and grandsons, Josef and Jeffery Shealy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jay Carson.

The memorial service for Dr. Carson will be held 11:00 o'clock, Monday, January 7th at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC. A reception will follow. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family. Special thanks are extended to his caregivers Jackie Sims, Catherine Goodwine, Cheryl McRae, and Veronica Cunningham of Laurel Crest. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be added to the online guestbook at ShivesFuneralHome.com.