William "Bill" Lawrence O'Cain

William "Bill" Lawrence O'Cain, 76 of Orangeburg died Friday, September 19, 2014 at his home after an extended illness.

The casket will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service.

The funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, September 22 , 2014 at First Baptist Church in Orangeburg with Pastor John David O'Cain officiating with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg directed by Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

Pallbearers will be Thomas I. Haigler, Edward C. Lee III, L.W. Stock III, Paul Stubblefield, Stephen E. Tyson IV and Robert P. Yoakum.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Employees of O'Cain Construction and Matthew Brad Blankenship

Bill was born October 2, 1937 in Orangeburg, SC to the late Lewis Pete O'Cain and the late Flossie Kemmerlin O'Cain. Bill has lived all of his life in Orangeburg. He has always had a special place in his heart for animals, large and small, and rolling into his adulthood maintained a small zoo. Being somewhat a fearless man, he would entertain the crowds by handling venomous snakes indigent to the South. "Wild Bill", as known by locals, also spent many years capturing and handling alligators.

Later in life, while raising five children, Bill began his own successful construction company, O'Cain Construction, where his talents and knowledge were put to a different use. After retirement in 1999, Michael O'Cain , son, began his venture as owner of O'Cain Construction, Bill once again returned to his earlier roots by opening an exotic animal farm on the North Road for the public to enjoy.

During his retirement, Bill also began to explore another hidden talent. Over the next ten years "Ole Bill" revealed a softer side of himself by writing many poems. These poems were mostly shared with close friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sissy O'Cain of the home; four sons; Richard Lawrence O'Cain of Glenville, GA, William Lewis O'Cain of McDonough, GA , Michael Anthony O'Cain (Stefanie) of Orangeburg, John Lawrence O'Cain of Columbia; one daughter, Catherine O'Cain Winchester (Jeff) of Leland, NC; brothers; Mike O'Cain of Greenville; David O;'Cain of Orangeburg; Charles O'Cain (Karen) of Indian Trail, NC; sister; Dorothy Rae Baldwin (James) of Laurens, SC; A blessing of nine grandchildren; seven grandsons; Joshua O'Cain, Mikey O'Cain, Sam O'Cain, Will O'Cain, Jack O'Cain, Austin Winchester, Nathan Winchester; two granddaughters; Maddie Winchester and Kelsey O'Cain 4 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the residence and at the funeral home.

Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday, September 21, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

The family would like to thank Hospice of South Carolina employees Janet Garrick and Stephanie Price for all the love and care given to Bill during his sickness. Also, a very special thank you to Nancy Winter, friend of the family, for her love, compassion and care given to Bill and all the support given to Sissy.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas; 5970 Fairview Road; Suite 217; Charlotte, NC 28210.