Born into a family of South Carolina educators, William “Bill” T. Lander, Jr. quickly learned the importance of quality education and absorbed his family’s dedication to service in public schools. The Williamston, SC native was the grandson of Samuel Lander, founder of Williamston Female College (later Lander University), and the son of William T. and Susan Rumph Lander. Bill believed that education was a never-ending process. He learned something from everyone he met and generously shared his knowledge with others.
 

Bill studied at Wofford College and earned his master’s degree through Clemson University. His master’s thesis studied the effects of taxes on Anderson County schools. Other graduate work was completed at Emory University and the University of South Carolina. 

Lander served in the Counterintelligence Corps of the US Army during World War II in the Pacific. Men in his command were directly responsible for the capture of Admiral Shimada (the Japanese Naval commander who planned and oversaw the attack on Pearl Harbor), Tojo (Japanese Prime Minister) and Tokyo Rose (Iva D’Aquino). Reaching the rank of Major, Lander was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

Serving his state and nation did not end with the close of World War II. Lander’s work for the 1950 census provided data used to determine federal funding and the drawing of congressional districts in the state. He was also appointed to a task force to investigate the rates of draft rejections in South Carolina.
 

Writing was both a passion and a professional skill for Bill. He penned an unpublished children's book, The Courage of Tommy Roberts, which he used to teach Williamston children about local history. He also wrote the teacher's manual and annotations for the revised edition of Government in Our Republic, a textbook published by the MacMillan Company.
 

Already an educator and author, Lander added administrator to his resume. From 1955 to 1961 he held the position of Principal at Williamston Elementary School. From 1961 until his passing, he served as Superintendent of the South Carolina Opportunity School. The school integrated in 1965, notably ahead of most other schools in the state. As a director of the SC Rehabilitation Association and a former director of the SC State Employee Association, his work contributed to improving life for the citizens of Anderson County. Lander also served as Public Relations Director for Wofford College and Director of Adult Education for Anderson County.

Bill was active in civic affairs and served the Grace Methodist Church in Williamston as a member of the laity. He served on the Anderson Memorial Hospital board and was a member of the Lions’ Club and Williamston Community Chest. Importantly, he was supported and assisted in his work by his wife, the former Olive Fuller. Lander was laid to rest in the Williamston City Cemetery after his passing in March of 1968.