William Ross Hare was born in Chester, South Carolina on August 6, 1934, the son of Robert L. Hare and Maggie Young Hare. He was married to Elizabeth Rudell (Rudy) Maffett, and they had two children, Lisa and Ross.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956 and LL.B. degree in 1958 from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of Wig and Robe Honor Society. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, Judge Advocate’s Staff, where he served until 1963. He then opened his law office in Chester and practiced alone until 1970, when he joined Paul Hemphill in Chester as a partner in the firm of Hemphill, Hemphill and Hare until 1976, when he assumed the full-time duties of Circuit Solicitor for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
In 1968, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving one term before being elected Solicitor for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, taking office in 1970 and serving continuously until 1978. In 1978, he attained the position of Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit for the Family Court and served until his death.
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Chester and various civic organizations. He was a beloved friend, husband, father and a gentleman.