Obituary of William James Sullivan

SULLIVAN, WILLIAM JAMES JR William James "Sully" Sullivan, Jr., 53, of Columbia, SC, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 5th, 2016. He was born in Bayonne, NJ on November 30, 1962 to the late William Sullivan Sr. and Elizabeth "Betty" Foderaro. Sully graduated from Kempsville High School, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from The Citadel Military College of Charleston in 1984. After graduating, he went on to run his own car lot, Sully's Wholesale in Summerville, SC, for many years. He was married to his former wife, Kaye Barnes Sullivan, for 20 years and had two children who were his pride and joy. Sully was a member of Oscar Company at the Citadel, and was a pitcher for the Bulldogs. He loved his college and the many lasting friendships made there. He enjoyed attending Homecoming each year and reconnecting with old and new friends. Sully was a 19 year survivor of stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and had devoted his life to supporting those afflicted with the disease. He loved participating in "Relay for Life" each year, and Camp Happy Days as a counselor. He had a warm and loving spirit, and always saw the good in every situation. He had a passion for sharing hope to those afflicted with cancer and visited hospitals; especially children, to encourage them along their journey sharing God's love and grace. He always wanted to help others, and was an organ donor. His donation gift of life has gone on to save two lives, through kidney donation here in SC. A stranger's vision will be repaired through cornea donation, and with his tissue donation, many lives will be touched as well. We are rejoicing in knowing his wish to help others will be carried on. He loved the Lord, and made many friends at St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Charleston, and Radius Church in Lexington. Sully enjoyed fishing, was awesome at bowling, enjoyed golfing and had a love for vintage cars. He never met a stranger and had an infectious smile and joy. His life motto was to always look on the bright side; to be positive and have hope no matter how hard things got, and to always trust in the Lord for all things. He had a special bond with his mother, and will be missed tremendously by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Sully is survived by his Mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Sullivan; his son, Taylor Sullivan; daughter, Kaitlyn Sullivan; brother, Kurt Sullivan; sister, Doreen Sizemore; niece, Brittany Pollina (Jonathan); nephews, Brandon and Bryce Sizemore; former wife, Kaye Sullivan; brothers-in law, Stacey Sizemore and Mark Barnes; sisters-in law, Kim Barnes and Nancy Steadman; daughter-in- law, Regan Sullivan; and one grandson. His wonderful spirit, joy and life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 12th, 2016, at Radius Church, 300 Main Street Lexington SC. 29072. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made payable to Elizabeth Sullivan, 1535 Platt Springs Rd. #3123, West Columbia, SC 29171.