William Crosland Goldberg was born in Bennettsville, the son of Dr. Edward Hammett and Margaret Cobb Goldberg. He was educated at the University of South Carolina, where he received an A.B. in 1939 and an LL.B. degree in 1941. He was also admitted to the Bar in 1941. He practiced in Bennettsville with the firm of Goldberg, Cottingham and Easterling.
He volunteered for the Air Force in 1942 and was a bombardier-navigator until his discharge as a First Lieutenant in 1945. He was shot down over the Mediterranean and was the sole survivor of a B-24 crew. He was held in a German prison camp for 18 months and upon release was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon and four battle stars.
His accomplishments include being State Representative from 1949–50, State Senator, 1952–62 and delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1960. He was the Director of the Citizens State Bank, Marlboro Building and Loan Association, and the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the South Carolina National Bank Advisor Board, Chairman of the Marlboro County Development Board and a Mason at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
He was an able advocate, trusted counsellor, useful citizen, loyal friend, and devoted family man. His keen sense of humor, integrity and personality earned the affection and respect of Bench and Bar.
He married Lillian Huggins and had three children, William Crosland Goldberg, Jr., Susan Goldberg Henderson, Richard Cobb Goldberg. One grandchild, Jane Cobb Henderson.