The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 N. Main Street Anderson, SC 29621OBITUARY/FLAG DR. WILLIAM B. ROYSTER ANDERSON, SCDr. William B. Royster of 711 Woodfield Drive Anderson passed away late in the evening September 1, 2008. Dr Royster, a native of Townville, S.C. was the son of the late Homer C. and Cora B. Royster.Dr. Royster was a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College, Wofford College, The University of South Carolina and earned his Doctorate in Education from The University of Maryland. He was a brother in Delta Sigma Phi. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Royster served the students of the public schools of South Carolina for more than 36 years and public education for more than 40. In his career, he was a teacher, coach, elementary principal, high school principal, district administrator, state education department member, superintendent, college professor and educational consultant.As superintendent of Anderson School District Five from 1966-1983, he led the peaceful desegregation of schools, undertook the largest building program in the history of the district, saw to the full accreditation of all schools, expanded the music and arts programs, and constructed new athletic facilities. He sought and received numerous federal grants to fund progressive initiatives in an environmental science center, early childhood programs, and a cooperative aquatic program with the City of Anderson as well as other initiatives. Under his guidance Special Education Programs were expanded, Gifted and Talented classes begun, Advanced Placement Courses implemented, vocational and technical offerings were also greatly expanded as well as other innovations in academics, the arts, athletics and extracurricular programs. These initiatives as well as many others now considered as standards for any quality system were developed, initiated and in some cases expanded under his leadership.His accomplishments also extended to his affiliation with professional organizations. He was a member and served in numerous leadership capacities of The South Carolina Association of School Administrators. His most significant contribution to the profession was his active involvement in the leadership of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). He served as a member of the executive committee, vice president and was the only South Carolinian to serve as president of the 10,000 + member organization.PAGE TWO OBITUARY: DR. WILLIAM ROYSTERDr. Royster also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Spartanburg Methodist College and as its Chairman. He represented the 10th Judicial Circuit on the South Carolina State Board of Education. He was twice narrowly defeated as a candidate for South Carolina State Superintendent of Education.He was a long time member of the Anderson, South Carolina Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served in numerous Lay Leadership roles in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference and in his local church, St. Johns United Methodist.Royster is survived by his wife of 61 years Betty S. Royster of Anderson, his son W. Burke Royster, Jr. and his wife Tina of Greenville and one sister Mattie Lou Jones and her husband J.D. Jones of Townville. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers; Jack, Walter, H.C., Jr., Ralph, Horace and Jim Royster as well as sisters: Sara Whittle, Helen Dockins, and Willie Mae Kay.The family respectfully request no flowers and suggests memorials to: The SC Alzheimer's Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621 or Spartanburg Methodist College, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301-5899 or Saint John's United Methodist Church, 515 S. McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29624.The Funeral Service will be Thursday September 4, at 3:00 pm at Saint Johns United Methodist Church officiated by the Reverend Dr. William R. Childs. A visitation will precede the services at 1:00 pm in the Church Parlor. A private committal service will be held. The family is at the residence 711 Woodfield Drive, Anderson, S.C.A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.comThe McDougald Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.