AIKEN, S.C. – William Cecil Casper, of Aiken, former chancellor of the University of South Carolina, Aiken, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, at his residence.

Mr. Casper was born in China Grove, N.C., to the late Will and Mary Goodnight Casper and had lived in Aiken for the past 36 years. Mr. Casper was the first chancellor of USC Aiken, serving from 1963 until 1982. He is credited with leading the school’s transition from a two-year to a four-year college. Additionally, he was able to bring many members of the community together to work for the betterment of the school. After his first retirement in 1982, Mr. Casper continued to teach business classes at the college for several years.

Mr. Casper was predeceased by his wife, Gwladys Casper; brother Arnold Casper; and sisters Zelia Martin, Pauline Russell, Mabel Lamb, Frances Weaver, Montice Osborne and Ruth Hogan.

Mr. Casper is survived by a special family, Dorothy and her husband Snow Piver Sr., Mary George, Linda Piver, Snow Piver Jr., and other relatives Ed Rusher Jr., and Alan A. Both.

Memorial services for Mr. Casper will be held at a later date.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be directed to Bill Casper Scholarship Fund, c/o Aiken Partnership at USC Aiken, 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801.

George Funeral Home & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.GeorgeFuneralHomes.com to view the obituary and sign the online condolence register.