WINNSBORO – William Ambrose “Boe” Harwell, 72, of Winnsboro passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late William Hyatt and Olive Birley Hudson Harwell.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathryne (Beth) Brinson Harwell, two daughters, Carrie Harwell Baker (Bruce) and Katie Harwell Nicholson (Palmer), three brothers, Joe Harwell (Dale), Henry Harwell (Wanda), and Bobby Harwell; and five grandchildren, B., Brinson, and Kate Baker, and Kitt and Bennett Nicholson. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, David Allen, Gus Brinson (Denise), and sister in law, Bengie (Henry) Blair and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Boe is predeceased by two sisters, Judy Thompson and Jan Allen.
Boe grew up in Aiken, SC, and later moved to Columbia with his family when he was in the tenth grade. He graduated from A.C. Flora High School in 1966 and furthered his education at the University of South Carolina, where he became a life-long brother of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He graduated from USC with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1970, and later received a degree from the Graduate School of Retail Bank Management at the University of Virginia.
He began his career at South Carolina National Bank, moving to First Palmetto Bank in Columbia, and then on to a long and successful career as President of the Bank of Ridgeway. This Independent Community Bank was a perfect fit for Boe, and he enjoyed the personal communication with customers that only the small-town community bank could give. His approach to banking over his career afforded him the opportunity to become a trusted voice for many. He believed in following the rules and was a well-respected leader with a wise and fair management style. During this time, he became a pillar of the community, serving in many capacities for organizations such as South Carolina Independent Bankers’ Association, Rotary, United Way and Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce. He also served as Christian Education Chairman, Treasurer, and Ruling Elder at Bethel ARP Church. After retirement, he enjoyed re-connecting with his Aiken friends and with his Sigma Nu brothers, as well as spending time at Edisto Beach with his children and grandchildren. Shrimping, USC sporting events, and long-standing friendships were always a special part of his life. Boe was an avid golfer, taking great pleasure in weekly matches and friendly rivalries with that special group on the course. He took great pleasure in the academic and athletic accomplishments of his grandchildren. Boe most enjoyed the gift of family, treasuring family gatherings for special occasions, as well as daily contact with each one. He will be remembered as a true Southern gentleman, a humble friend of Christian character who appreciated sincerity and honesty, and will be sorely missed by all!
Services will be held at 2 o’clock PM Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Bethel ARP Church conducted by Reverend James McManus. The family will receive friends one hour before the service in the church, with private burial. For everyone’s safety, masks are encouraged during the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Boe’s memory to Bethel ARP Church, PO Box 639, Winnsboro, SC 29180 or Richard Winn Academy, P.O. Box 390, Winnsboro, SC 29180.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Harwell family.
Online condolences can be sent to the Harwell family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.
