S*0779 Concurrent Resolution, By Wilson, Alexander, Anderson, Bauer, Branton, 
Courson, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Glover, Gregory, Grooms, Hawkins, 
Hayes, Holland, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Martin, Matthews, 
McConnell, McGill, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Patterson, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, 
Ravenel, Reese, Richardson, Ritchie, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, Short, 
J.V. Smith, Thomas, Verdin and Waldrep
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW AND EXTEND THE DEEPEST
 SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
 TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS OF ONE OF THE PALMETTO STATE'S MOST PROMINENT
 AND RESPECTED LEADERS, THE HONORABLE FLOYD D. SPENCE, LONGTIME AND BELOVED
 UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA SECOND CONGRESSIONAL
 DISTRICT, AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE AND HOUSE OF
 REPRESENTATIVES.

   08/17/01  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House
   08/27/01  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW AND EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS OF ONE OF THE PALMETTO STATE'S MOST PROMINENT AND RESPECTED LEADERS, THE HONORABLE FLOYD D. SPENCE, LONGTIME AND BELOVED UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were saddened to learn of the death of our dear friend, United States Congressman Floyd D. Spence, of Lexington County, who died on August 16, 2001, at Saint Dominic Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi; and

Whereas, born in the state's capital on April 9, 1928, Floyd Spence was a son of the late James Wilson and Addie Jane Lucas Spence; and

Whereas, Congressman Spence served his country with honor in the United States Navy during the Korean War and continued his military career in the Naval Reserve from 1947 - 1988, from which he retired with the rank of Captain; and

Whereas, he was a distinguished graduate of Lexington High School, and while compiling an outstanding academic and athletic career at the University of South Carolina, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952 and furthered his studies by obtaining his law degree from the University in 1956, where he served as Editor of the South Carolina Law Quarterly; and

Whereas, he was the devoted husband of his beloved late wife "Lula" Drake Spence, their four sons, David, Zack, Benjamin, and Caldwell, and his wife, Debbie Williams Spence; and

Whereas, Congressman Spence began his career of public service as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1956 through 1962, followed by a term in the South Carolina Senate from 1966 through 1970, where he served as minority leader; and

Whereas, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1970 and re-elected continuously until his death, serving as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee (One Hundred Sixth Congress), and Chairman of the Committee on National Security (One Hundred Fourth and One Hundred Fifth Congresses); and

Whereas, throughout his career he maintained a strong commitment to our nation's men and women who serve in the armed forces; and

Whereas, Congressman Spence received numerous honors and awards throughout his career which include: the Order of the Palmetto, 1978; Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Citadel, 1995; and Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the University of South Carolina, 1995; and

Whereas, even though his successful final years were marked by illness, he recovered his health and vigor to assume various leadership positions in the United States House of Representatives; and

Whereas, we want Congressman Spence's wife, Debbie, his sons, and the rest of his family and many friends to know that they are uppermost in our thoughts and prayers and will forever have our deepest sympathy and our love; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper that we pause in our deliberations to express appreciation for our beloved friend's life and accomplishments. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow and extend their deepest sympathy to the family and many friends of one of the Palmetto State's most prominent and respected leaders, the Honorable Floyd D. Spence, longtime and beloved United States Congressman from South Carolina's Second Congressional District, and a former member of the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to his wife, Mrs. Debbie Williams Spence.