A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CLAYTON M. RICHARDSON OF HARTSVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Clayton M. Richardson of Hartsville at the venerable age of 95 on May 3, 2024; and

Whereas, born in Hartsville on July 8, 1928, Mr. Richardson was the son of Adolphus and Rosa Cooper Zimmerman Richardson of Darlington County; and

Whereas, the young Clayton received his early education in the public schools of Hartsville and graduated from Butler High School. In pursuit of higher education, he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Following in the footsteps of his siblings, he was the last of eight children to complete college; and

Whereas, at JCSU, he was active in a number of academic and social groups, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for twenty years, with deployment to Korea and Saudi Arabia. He retired as USAF TSG Clayton M. Richardson. Following his honorable discharge in 1971, he spent two or three months touring Europe to expand his knowledge of other cultures. He then returned to his hometown of Hartsville to serve as primary caregiver for his mother, "Mama Rosa," until her death in 1978; and

Whereas, Clayton Richardson strongly believed in active community involvement, and he put his convictions into action by serving the Hartsville community in various capacities. His civic engagement included the co-founding of People to People and the Butler Heritage Foundation, as well as the inspiring of many local initiatives, such as "Soup and Cornbread," street cleanups, and health forums. Further, his passion for supporting young people led to his involvement with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartsville, and Communities in Schools. As a community advocate for open dialogue and positive race relations, Mr. Richardson served on advisory committees and task forces for the Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, United Way, City of Hartsville, Hartsville Police Department, SCORE, CareSouth Carolina, Carolina Pines Hospital, Coker College, Darlington County Coordinating Council, the Palmetto Project, and other organizations; and

Whereas, this man of faith was a lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where he attended faithfully and served on the Centenary Church Council. He was known for his humble service, steadfast dedication, loving spirit, and generous contributions to his community, church, and university; and

Whereas, in 2016, he was honored at Jerusalem Baptist Church for his then forty-five years of selfless service to the Hartsville community. More recently, in 2022, he was presented with the Order of the Palmetto, the State of South Carolina's highest civilian award; and

Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives and friends. The members of the South Carolina House are grateful for the life and legacy of Clayton M. Richardson and for the example of service and excellence he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Clayton M. Richardson of Hartsville and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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