South Carolina Legislature Mobile

District 61 (Florence & Marion Counties)

Democrat - Florence

Columbia Address

314B Blatt Bldg.
Columbia, 29201

Business Phone: (803) 734-3002

Home Address

118 Lockewood Dr.
Lake City, 29560

Home Phone: (843) 374-2405

Business Phone: (843) 374-8545

Committee Assignments

• Education and Public Works

Sponsored Bills

Primary Sponsor:  Yes   No
Search Session: 2013-2014 (120)2011-2012 (119)2009-2010 (118)2007-2008 (117)2005-2006 (116)2003-2004 (115)

Voting Record

Search Session: 2013-2014 (120) 2011-2012 (119)

Service In Public Office

• Florence County School District Three, 1979 - 1988, Board Chairman, 1982 - 1988
• House of Representatives 2003 - Present

Personal Information

• Retired Minister
• Residing at 118 Lockewood Dr., Lake City
• Born December 14, 1933 in Camden
• Son of Lester P., Sr. and Roberta H. Branham
• Wake Forest University, B.A., 1955
• Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1958
• August 10, 1956 married Dorothy Ruth Hayes, 2 children, Lester P. III and Maria Ruth Matthews
• General Board of South Carolina Baptist Convention, 1967-72, Chairman, Executive Committee, 1971-72
• Trustee, Furman University, 1973-79
• Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1982-92
• Baptist Healthcare System, 1986-, Board Chairman, 1993-
• Director, Palmetto Health, 1996-, Chairman, Board of Directors, 1996-00, Chairman Emeritus