William King Manos

William King Manos, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was born June 25, 1945, in Mullins, South Carolina, the only child of Inez King Manos and Nick Manos. Though raised largely in Maryland due to his father's Navy career, Bill always called Loris, South Carolina - his mother's family home - his "heart home," where summers on the tobacco farm shaped many lifelong memories.

Bill attended St. Mary's Ryken High School in Maryland, an all-boys college preparatory school run by the Xaverian Brothers, where he excelled academically and athletically, particularly in track and field. He graduated from Clemson University in 1967 and later earned a master's degree in Chinese language and studies from the University of Arizona.

His professional life spanned agriculture and international advertising, including work with DuPont and major agencies such as McCann-Erickson, Mojo Advertising in San Francisco, Joe Van Trump Agency, and Saatchi & Saatchi in New York. His career took him across the United States and around the world, including extended work in Indonesia.

An avid traveler and linguist, Bill loved exploring lesser-known places and cultures. He was also a devoted gardener, especially fond of growing peppers and Asian vegetables, and a lifelong learner with wide-ranging interests in history, music, film, and reading.

Bill cherished his friends and his church and his family heritage. He was a gifted cook, a loyal Clemson supporter, and a loving companion to his dogs, Dixie and Beau. He was a devoted husband to Jan Manos and stepfather to Andrew and Amy Reitz, and a proud father to David Manos, Merrit Manos Spencer, and Will Manos. He leaves six cherished grandchildren.

Bill lived with curiosity, kindness, and joy, and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Madison Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Janaury 31, 2026 at 11 AM.

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