William C. "Bill" von Meyer

William (Bill) Carl von Meyer passed away on June 3, 2020 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson SC. Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of three boys, and soon moved to Sidney, Ohio where he exceled in adventuring, academics, and golf. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University, The University of the Pacific, and Purdue University culminating with a PhD in Plant pathology and genetics.

He worked for Rohm and Haas, an international chemical firm, in Philadelphia initially managing the research lab. Bill holds over 30 patents related to plant pathology, fungicides, and agricultural treatments developed while at Rohm and Haas. This work laid the foundation for modern agricultural practices, giving farmers the means to control pests and feed the world. Bill moved on to lead Rohm and Haas's international division from London where he traveled extensively and expanded the impact of his innovations covering crops ranging from bananas to tea.

Bill moved to Charlotte, NC as a Director of Research developing "green" methods for reducing explosive hazards and expanding safe animal health treatments. He moved to Madison, Wisconsin as a Vice President of Research for one of the first genetic engineering companies where he led advanced research teams, including five Nobel scientists, helping them take ideas from the lab bench to the viable products.

Bill and Nancy started Fairview Industries in Middleton Wisconsin, where Bill turned his focus to non-GMO, farmer focused products. At Fairview he developed corn plants that could fend off diseases and molds and an increased yield variety he termed "Spo Maize". Bill and Nancy moved with Fairview Industries to South Carolina where Bill continued to develop his new corn varieties and explored natural disease treatments.

He loved music and played the piano by ear. Golf was a lifelong game for Bill. He so enjoyed being on the course, seeing his playing partners improve, tinkering with golf gadgets, and always improving on some aspect of the swing, the club, or the ball. Hiking and football were also great passions for Bill. He lived a full and vigorous life, bringing happiness and love to all who knew him.

Bill was a dreamer. When the rest of us are thinking about mowing the yard, Bill was thinking about making a grass variety that didn't need to be mowed.

Bill is survived by Nancy, his wife of 38 years, Andy, his beloved dog, a loving extended family, and a multitude of friends and the best neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, if you are moved to do so, Bill's favorite animals were elephants.
Elephant Sanctuary PO Box 393 Hohenwald TN 38462

For those preferring a local charity
The Hospice Rainey House, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 13th from 3-4:30 at the Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Rd., Central. The family will receive guests at a drop in at 404 Westminster Dr. Pendleton, SC 29670 starting around 5:00 pm.

Neighbors will be at the home during the visitation.