DR. WILLIAM E. MIDDLETON Dr. William "Billy" Eugene Middleton, age 71, of 58 Oleander Drive, husband of Kathryn Rhodes Middleton, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015, at AnMed Health Medical Center. Born on October 25, 1943 in Anderson, Billy, as he was affectionately known, was the son of the late William J. "Billy" Middleton and the late Grethel Patterson Middleton. He was raised in Anderson, SC and attended the public schools, and was a graduate of Anderson Boys High School, Class of 1961. He attended Anderson Junior College and received a B.S. degree in Psychology from Carson-Newman College. He received his Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation at Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond, VA, and obtained his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in Educational Counseling. Dr. Middleton was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Anderson, and while in West Columbia, he was a member of Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher, and on several committees, one of which he chaired. Billy was employed by the SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. He served as Deputy Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and subsequently, as Deputy Commissioner of the SC Department of Social Services. He served in these areas for thirty years prior to his retirement in 1998. He is especially appreciated by the State of South Carolina for his visionary skills in promoting state agencies to work together in assisting people to become less dependent on welfare and to become independent in the work place. Through his tenacity and vision with welfare reform in the SC Legislature, the first bill in the nation was created and was later adopted as federal legislation. In a personal letter written by SC Governor David M. Beasley upon the occasion of Billy's retirement, Governor Beasley wrote, "as a dedicated public servant, you have brought honor and respect to your profession. You will be missed. Thank you for making South Carolina a better place to live." A kind and compassionate man, Billy was an avid reader who pursued every interest with creativity and energy. He is remembered as a generous and thoughtful friend, faithful to causes of people in need. A deeply devoted husband, father and grandfather, Billy's joy was in the fulfillment of those he loved. He reveled in family get-togethers and was devoted to the South Carolina Gamecocks. He had a special love for his adored Lhasa Apso, "Carolina Kate." He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty years, Kitty Middleton of the residence; his children, William Bryan Middleton of Montrose, CO, Kathryn Middleton Berran and her husband Theodore Lee Berran of Deland, FL, and Kathryn "Katie" Middleton of the residence; and one grandson, Bryce Theodore Berran of Deland, FL. A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. William Middleton will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 2 p.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dan Batson and Rev. Lawrence Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, 2015, in the Parlor at St. John's United Methodist Church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Contributions in Memory of Dr. Middleton may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, 515 South McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29624; or the Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, 3050 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169. Events Visitation Thursday, January 15, 2015 12:00PM - 1:30PM St. John's United Methodist Church 515 S. McDuffie St. Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: 864-224-6563 Funeral Service Thursday, January 15, 2015 2:00PM St. John's United Methodist Church 515 S. McDuffie St. Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: 864-224-6563 Final Resting Place Forest Lawn Memorial Park 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North Anderson , SC 29621