Willie Lee Gagum

Willie Lee Gagum of Conway passed away on May 22, 2023. 

Obituary Willie  “Bill”  L.  Gagum,  74,  son of the late  Mack  Gagum and  Rebecca Poinsette-Gagum, was born on April 24, 1949, in Conway, South Carolina. God called Bill home on Tuesday, May 22, 2023, and took him to eternal rest. Bill gave his life to Christ at an early age. He loved his church, Bethel AME of Conway, SC. He served in many areas there including the Bus Ministry, mentorship with the  Male  Youth  Group,  and served as a  member of the Sons of Allen. Bill was a graduate of Whittemore High School Class of 1968. He went on to attend Voorhees University on a basketball scholarship. After college, he moved to New York where he worked for Rockefeller Center in New York City. In 1982 he relocated back to Conway, SC, and worked with Horry  County  Schools until retiring.  His love for basketball and his community inspired him to coach youth with Conway Parks and Recreation for 27 years. Bill was a great team payer to all. He was a bright bubbly young man who would always take a win for his family and friends.  Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren,  especially during football and basketball seasons. Cheering on his favorite teams,  the  NY  Giants,  the  NY  Knicks,  and the North  Carolina  Tarheels supporting his teams always gave him joy.  He enjoyed going fishing as well as frying them up for all to enjoy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Rebecca Gagum; two sisters,  Gussie  Best and  Sarah  E.  Gagum and one brother-in-law,  Daniel Turmon. Bill is survived by his only daughter;  Ivory  (Kenneth)  Jefferson and five grandchildren,  Tykwon  Wallingford,  Tykwonia  Wallingford,  Ikeyrah Wallingford, Nicere Wallingford, and Kendall Dozier. He also leaves fond memories of children he raised as his own, Lakenya (Glen) Dozier, Kenzie Wallingford,  and  Debbie  (Darryl)  Barrett;  one sister,  Dorothy  Gagum- Turmon and one brother, Mack Gagum Jr.  Bill leaves to cherish precious memories of a special friend, Beverly Holmes and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, June 3, 2023, at Bethel AME Church.  Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.  There will be a viewing from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Friday, June 2, 2023, at Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Conway Chapel.

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