A senate RESOLUTION

to RECOGNIZE AND commend THE HONORABLE C. TOLBERT GOOLSBY, JR., FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina Senate should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to the Honorable C. Tolbert Goolsby, Jr., for his distinguished public service to this State as a lawyer and judge; and

Whereas, Judge Goolsby was born in Montgomery, Alabama on July 11, 1935, to C. Tolbert Goolsby and Mary Agnes Cowart Goolsby; and

Whereas, he attended the University of Alabama, where he played in the "Million Dollar" Band and was involved with the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. His college studies were interrupted so that he could serve his nation in the United States Army, which he did from July 1954 to June 1956; and

Whereas, while in the Army, Judge Goolsby fought communism as a non-combat percussionist with the 101st Airborne Division Band, the 98th Army Band, the Third Army Band, and the Third Army Special Services package show "Holiday." When serving with the Third Army Band, he was an emcee for the concert band several times and once appeared as a stand-up comedian at an Atlanta-area nightclub. He also auditioned for Ed Sullivan's All-Army show, but lost out to better competition; and

Whereas, following his military service, Judge Goolsby attended The Citadel, where he earned a bachelor's degree with general and departmental honors. He later earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1962 and an advanced law degree from the University of Virginia in 1993; and

Whereas, after gradating from law school, Judge Goolsby embarked on his legal career with the Office of the South Carolina Attorney General, where he served as Assistant Attorney General from 1962 to 1972, Deputy Attorney General from 1973 to 1983, and Chief Deputy Attorney General in 1983. He was elected to the South Carolina Court of Appeals when the court was reestablished in 1983, and served that court continuously until his retirement in 2007; and

Whereas, if the law was Judge Goolsby's vocation, writing was his avocation. He has authored a devotional book for lawyers and judges, a law book, several novels, and smaller pieces that have appeared in national and local magazines, including "The Box with the Green Bow and Ribbon," a short story that has been twice adapted into a play; and

Whereas, Judge Goolsby has mentored dozens of law clerks and more than a few judges in his career, creating not only a tremendous legacy in the legal community of this State but also a group of devoted friends. His former clerks often left his chambers not only with exposure to his legal mind and wisdom, but also with a piece of furniture restored by the judge to commemorate their tenure with him; and

Whereas, in recognition of his distinguished service to this State, Judge Goolsby was awarded the Order of the Palmetto on July 1, 2009; and

Whereas, together with his wife of sixty-eight years, the late Mary Ellen "Prue" Fraser, he reared a fine son, Dr. Lane Goolsby, who with his wife, Susanne, blessed the Goolsby's with three granddaughters: Rachel, Jessica, and Anna; and

Whereas, grateful for his many years of distinguished service to the legal profession and judiciary of this State, the South Carolina Senate takes great pleasure in extending its sincere appreciation to Judge C. Tolbert Goolsby, Jr.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and commend the Honorable C. Tolbert Goolsby, Jr., for his distinguished service to the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Judge C. Tolbert Goolsby, Jr.

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