William Hazle Bristow, Jr. of Darlington died on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Darlington Presbyterian Church. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends at the church’s Fellowship Hall, and other times at 305 Cashua Ferry Road in Darlington.
Mr. Bristow was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on July 22, 1931. He was the son of the late William Hazle Bristow, Sr. and Margaret Spratt Bristow.
A lifelong resident of Darlington, he attended St. John’s Elementary and St. John’s High School, graduating in 1949. He was an honor student, president of the key club, and president of the National Honor Society. He also played football and was on the golf team, lettering in both. After graduation he attended Davidson College for three years before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where he received a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and served as President. After graduation, he received his commission as second lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was in the USAF Reserve for 13 years and attained the rank of captain.
Upon his tour of duty, he returned to Darlington where he married the love of his life, Pollie Goodson Bristow. They shared 64 years, and they were blessed with three beautiful daughters. In Darlington, Mr. Bristow joined his father in the family business, W.H. Bristow Oil Company, where he worked until retiring at the age of 65. While associated with the company, he served as President and was a beloved employer to the faithful employees, whom he enjoyed working with for many years.
He served as President of the South Carolina Petroleum Marketers Association in 1986 and served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was on the Government Advisory Council Board of Directors for Gulf Oil Corporation, Board of Directors of Southern Oil Marketers Association, and on the Board of Directors for the National Oil Jobbers Association.
He was President of the Chamber of Commerce and President of the Kiwanis Club, of which he was a member for over sixty-five years. During his term of office, he was instrumental in establishing the United Fund in Darlington. He served as Key Club Advisor and was on the Board of Directors for many years.
Mr. Bristow served on the Darlington County School Board. He was on the Board of Director’s for Citizen’s Bank of Darlington and was on the Advisory Board of Citizens and Southern National Bank.
As a faithful and dedicated member of Darlington Presbyterian Church, he taught Sunday School and served as Deacon and Elder for more than 40 years.
Interested in nature and conservation, he was on the Board of Directors of the Black Creek Land Trust, later joining with the Pee Dee Land Trust. He enjoyed his cabin on Black Creek, where he loved to fish. He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the Damon Gun Club, which he served as President for many years. He was the “Chef” for the Tuesday night Duck suppers and planned the Saturday noon Deer Drive Dinners. He was also a member of the Cribb’s Fishing Club.
He gave wise counsel to many who sought his advice. He was cherished by his family, his church, and his community. His quiet strength and keen guidance were a blessing to many fortunate family members and friends. He loved the Lord, his family, and his hometown.
Mr. Bristow was predeceased his parents, William Hazle Bristow, Sr. and Margaret Spratt Bristow; his parents-in-law, Thomas Wallace Goodson and Lilian Blackmon Goodson; and his sister-in-law, Margaret Jo Marsella Bristow.
Mr. Bristow is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pollie Goodson Bristow, and three daughters, Susan (Damon) Flowers of Darlington, Elizabeth (Lee, M.D.) Richards and Katherine (Lofton “Mac”) Fanning, both of Columbia. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Damon Steger Flowers, Jr., M.D. (Betsy, DVM), Susanna Flowers Koppernaes (Leif), Mary Palmer Richards Tucker (David), Caroline Richards Heath (Garrett), William Hazle Bristow Richards, Charles Thomas Richards, and Elizabeth Dryden Richards; and two great-grandchildren: Mary Margaret Flowers, and Bailes Lee Tucker. Mr. Bristow also has one brother, Robert Blakley Bristow; one niece, Margaret Bristow Presson (Everett); and one nephew, Dr. Robert Blakley Bristow.
Memorial donations may be made to The Endowment Fund c/o D.P.C. 311 Pearl Street, Darlington, SC 29532, The Lord Cares 201 Grove Street Darlington, SC 29532, The Kid’s Closet c/o D.P.C. 311 Pearl Street Darlington, SC 29532, or the Mercy Medical Free Clinics 203 Grove Street Darlington, SC 29532.