Current Status Bill Number:4893 Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution CR Introducing Body:House Introduced Date:19980325 Primary Sponsor:Harvin All Sponsors:Harvin Drafted Document Number:pt\1814dw.98 Date Bill Passed both Bodies:19980325 Subject:The Honorable Sam O. Gamble, Resolutions
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved
______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________
House 19980325 Received from Senate
Senate 19980325 Introduced, adopted, returned
with concurrence
House 19980325 Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
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TO EXTEND THE GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO FORMER STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER, THE HONORABLE SAM O. GAMBLE OF MANNING, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS UNBOUNDED COMMITMENT AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO CLARENDON COUNTY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, Sam Gamble was born in Manning to the proud parents of John McLauri
n Gamble and Daisey Robinson Gamble. He was one of six children and was literally born in the Manning jail. His father was a deputy sheriff in Clarendon County and at the time of Sam Gamble's birth was also the jailer. In those days living quarters for the jailer were at the jail; and
Whereas, he attended the public schools in Manning and graduated from Manning High School. After his graduation, he worked as a mechanic for a short time with a local car dealership then moved to Kingstree to work with the Highway Engineering Program. In 1942, he returned to Manning to take the job of driving and maintaining the town's one fire truck, which was the beginning of his interest in the fire department -- later he became the fire chief in Manning; and
Whereas, in the meantime, the world went to war and Sam Gamble joined the newly-formed United States Army Air Corps and became a mechanic on B-17 aircraft; and
Whereas, following the war Sam Gamble returned to Manning and went to work temporarily as part-time help with the local railroad; and
Whereas, after borrowing three hundred dollars from Mitch Cottingham, he bought the Esso filling station on June 8, 1944, located at the corner of North Brook Street and Rigby Street. Never one to be afraid of hard work, Sam Gamble's filling station soon prospered and he was one of the pioneers of "full service"; and
Whereas, Sam Gamble's full service policy was soon recognized by the Exxon Company, and he found himself the subject of an article in the Saturday Evening Post and flying to New York to appear on the Today Show. In time, the full service concept of taking care of customers was the industry standard at stations around the country representing all of the nation's oil companies; and
Whereas, Sam Gamble's political career began in 1948 when he ran for, and was elected to town council. He served four years in this capacity and then ran for Mayor of Manning and was elected in 1952 -- serving in this position for six years. In those days mayors served three-year terms; and
Whereas, during his tenure as Mayor of Manning, some of the finest times in the town's history occurred. In 1955, Manning's One Hundredth Birthday was celebrated and continued for months. Then in September of 1956, Manning resident Marion McKnight was named Miss America for 1957, which began another celebration with parades and activities; and
Whereas, under Mayor Gamble's leadership, one of his proudest accomplishments took place when the growing town paid off its indebtedness and a new City Hall was built for cash. Also, the town's infrastructure saw changes by extending and improving water and sewer service throughout the city, and with the help of Congressman Mendel Rivers a new Post Office was built; and
Whereas, Sam Gamble continued to serve with the fire department, helping the town to modernize and buy equipment for the department; and
Wheras, Gamble left city government in 1958 when he bought a farm east of Manning and began raising thoroughbred racing horses. Today he says he is quite comfortable in his role of retired observer to local politics and sees a bright future for his community; and
Whereas, Sam Gamble has been active and prominent as a civic leader to Clarendon County and the Palmetto State by serving as a member of the Lions Club, the Knights of Phythias, the Woodmen of the World, and the Shriners. He is a life-member of the Masons. He was elected to serve on the State Highway Commission and is a long-time member of the Manning United Methodist Church where he has formerly served on the Board of Trustees; and
Whereas, Sam Gamble lovingly raised three children: Sam O. Gamble, Jr., who works with the United Funding Company providing financing for manufactured homes; Judy Hooks, who is a teacher at Alcolu Elementary School; Jan Buid, who works with the Department of Corrections in Columbia; and is the proud grandfather of two grandchildren; and
Whereas, Sam Gamble will always be remembered in the history of Manning as a pioneer who wasn't afraid to try new ideas and who simply refused to believe that anything couldn't be done if people tried hard enough; and
Whereas, it is appropriate for the members of the General Assembly to pause in their deliberations to honor this distinguished South Carolinian, Sam O. Gamble, who has dedicated his entire life to public service, along with an overriding desire to make South Carolina a better place in which to live. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina hereby extend their gratitude and appreciation to former State Highway Commissioner, The Honorable Sam O. Gamble of Manning, South Carolina, for his unbounded commitment and contributions to Clarendon County and the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Honorable Sam O. Gamble.