Bill Stevenson Dies at 78
Bill Stevenson passed away early Sunday morning August 27th from natural causes related to his ongoing battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bill had been for so many years a great advocate and contributor to the sport of water skiing. Bill was a three time National Champion, as well as a tireless official that donated his time many weekends every year. Bill was the chief driver at 6 Southern Regional tournaments, 2 National tournaments, and 3 Collegiate Nationals. He also drove 9 Masters tournaments, 6 US Open tournaments, 2 Team Trials, The 1987 World Championships, a Junior Worlds, a Senior Worlds, and the first Collegiate Worlds.
Bill was a competitor in the first Master's Tournament. Bill also was an alternate on the 1957 World team. He won 3 National Overall titles and considered Tommy Wycoff his greatest rival. Even with all of his successes, he was always eager to coach, drive or just lend advice to anyone that had a desire to learn. Bill served on the southern Region Council, too many times to count and served on the nationals site search committee.
Bill also loved to fly! He owned his own plane for many years and loved to fly to tournaments that otherwise he would not be able to travel to. In later years as a Mastercraft Promo owner he was always towing a boat somewhere and didn't get the opportunity to fly as often. He finally quit flying in the early 90's.
Bill always was positive and high on life. He always would give you a big smile and a warm hello! He will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be at 11:30 AM Thursday, August 31st at Woodlawn Memorial Park at the Remembrance Chapel in Greenville, SC.