William D. Gwinn passed away on February 16, 2018 at the age of 87. Known in the Air Force as Bill, in business as William, and to all his closest friends and family as Dewell. Dewell was born to the late Roy and Eloise Gwinn. Dewell was a Woodruff High school graduate, class of 1949. After graduating, Dewell joined the United States Air Force as Airman, First Class. He was stationed at Parks Air force Base in Dublin, California. During his service, he was heavily involved in a theater group which brought him great joy. In 1956, he returned to South Carolina and made his home in Inman. For 61 years he owned and operated a variety of businesses in Inman, but most notably “The Furniture Family” which included Stewart-Gwinn Furniture, Budget House Furniture, and the Maple Center. He not only took great pride in his trade, but truly relished the friendships that were created through his business.This community was important to him and over the years he served on Spartanburg School District One school board, Spartanburg Technical College Board of Directors, Palmetto Bank’s Board of Directors, and was a member of the Inman Masonic Lodge. Dewell was a member at Tryon Presbyterian Church, and participated in a men’s Bible Study group, through which he gained a faith based camaraderie he valued tremendously.

Dewell was predeceased by his lovely wife, Dorothy Thorne Gwinn, with whom he shared 64 amazing years. He is survived by his only daughter, Jeri Gwinn Rogers, granddaughters; Dana Bruce Fulmer, Dori Bruce Burgess and 5 great grandchildren, all by whom he will be greatly missed. Charismatic, fun, adventurous, and downright stubborn, Dewell left a permanent mark on the hearts of all who loved him. In the last year of his life, the loss of his wife took a heavy toll on him, but through it all he had the everlasting love and support of his daughter, granddaughters, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, and friends.

The visitation will be held at Starry Nights Event Center (8 S. Main St. Inman) on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a Memorial Service at Seawright Funeral Home Chapel at 3:30 PM conducted by Dr. Charles Drawdy. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Shepherd’s Center of Spartanburg, 393 East Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.

Seawright Funeral Home and Crematory, Inman, S.C.