Lt. Col. William M. Askins

Known to those close to him as “Bill,” Lieutenant Colonel William Malvern Askins, 78, passed away on October 17, 2017. A native of Honolulu, HI, son of the late Samuel Marion and Ermel Malvern Askins, Bill graduated from Pomona College in California before entering the United States Army. During his career, he served in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division and was proud to serve as an Army Ranger. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers and completed two tours in Vietnam. Domestically, he was assigned as Project Manager of the DeGray Dam in Arkansas, a 64 million dollar project. His military awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, awarded in 1988, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for meritorious service, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Medal of Honor First Class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. His final assignment was at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where he met Gloria. They were married in 1988, and later that year, he retired from the Army after over 26 years of service. For the next 21 years, Bill and Gloria lived in Maryland and were active members of the Darnestown Presbyterian Church, where Bill was an Elder. He was also involved in the Rockville, MD Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. During his second career, Bill worked in the DC-area as the Project Manager on many important projects, including renovation of the U.S. Treasury Building. Bill and Gloria moved to Greer in 2012. They joined Clearview Baptist Church, where Bill loved to minister to the community through The Homeless Breakfast Program as well as many mission projects in the surrounding area. He even created his own “Brownie Outreach” program throughout the community. Bill was proud to serve as the Vice President of the Daniel Morgan Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jean Askins; his two daughters Yvonne Malvern Kossmann (Oliver) in Augsburg, Germany and Elizabeth Malvern Askins; one brother, Thomas James Askins of Sacramento, CA; and one grandson, Philip Askins in Augsburg, Germany. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Clearview Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. conducted by Rev. James Burns and Sam Hunter. Once arrangements have been made, LTC William Askins’ final resting place will be in the Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clearview Baptist Church, 721 Ministries, or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Lt. Col. William M. Askins

January 29, 1939 - October 17, 2017