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Industry mourns the loss of Willie C
Tuesday, April 04 2023

On April 2, 2023 Barbara Swanke shared the following post on the popular Facebook group "Willie C's Beach Music Cafe" - "Sadly WillieC has passed and this Cafe will be taken down.Thank you to all who have expressed condolences. Bill truly enjoyed the music and meeting so many of you with like interests."

We send our condolences to Willie's entire family and we've enjoyed being members of the popular Facebook group where so many shared stories, videos, music and more throughout the group. We've included his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please follow the link to the funeral home website.

Obituary
William C. Swanke Jr., age 79, of Little River, South Carolina passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023. Born on September 15, 1943, in Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late William C. Swanke, Sr. and Florence Welch Swanke. He married Barbara on April 24,1984 in New Mexico.

An Assistant VP Director of CIGNA Medicare Systems, William retired following 40+ years of dedicated service in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Following his retirement, he and Barbara moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC.

William was a founding member of United Group Harmony Association "UGHA" in New Jersey and hosted a vocal group radio show, "The Big Beat Show". He was the creator and owner of WillieC's RnB Beach Music Cafe Internet Radio, WillieC was well-known throughout Ocean Drive Beach, and would always be seen at all the SOS hangouts. He was awarded the 2007 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the Industry Appreciation Award"; 2008 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the "Internet Radio Show of the Year Award", the 2009 CMBA "Michael Branch Award" and was nominated for the 2010 CBMA Internet Radio Show.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Barbara Swanke; children, Christine Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Jeffrey Swanke. He is also survived by grandchildren, Patrick Tucker, Jesse McKeough, Matthew Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Katelyn McKeough.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Swanke family.

Comments:
My heartfelt thank you for your kind expression of sympathy. I would like to also thank all who have expressed their sorrow and condolences on Bill's passing. Bill dedicated himself to the preservation of Beach Music, made good friends, had some fun along the way. He appreciated the acknowledgments received for his accomplishments. My Best Wishes, Barbara
Posted by Barbara Swanke on 09/20/2023 - 06:50 AM
Barbara & family, I just found about this today. My group William Dell & wee jams had some blockbuster hits in "beach music". Willie always said how much he loved us. He totally supported us. 0ur promoter Bill "Hurricane" Ashe would call him when I was in N. Myrtle & he would come & meet us. A super guy & friend. Sadly Hurricane also passed a little over a month ago. Again, a loyal friend in the business, it truly saddens me. Deepest love & sympathy, William Dell & wee jams 724-650-5205
Posted by WILLIAM DELL on 12/04/2023 - 12:23 PM

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