H*5291 Concurrent Resolution, By Scott, Bales, Ballentine, Brady, Cotty, 
Harrison, Hart, Howard, J.H. Neal, Rutherford and J.E. Smith

Similar(S 1424)
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE KAY PATTERSON, OF RICHLAND
 COUNTY, FOR HIS MORE THAN THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO THE
 CITIZENS OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO WISH HIM
 HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   06/25/08  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
   06/25/08  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence

TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE KAY PATTERSON, OF RICHLAND COUNTY, FOR HIS MORE THAN THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, for more than thirty-four years, the Honorable Kay Patterson has represented the citizens of Richland County in the South Carolina General Assembly, eleven years of service in the South Carolina House of Representatives, and twenty-three years as a Senator; and

Whereas, he was born in Darlington County on January 11, 1931. His parents were James and Leila Patterson. He was reared in Darlington and Sumter counties by his grandmothers, Mrs. Meta Patterson and Mrs. Emma Joseph. He is a 1949 graduate of Lincoln High School in Sumter; and

Whereas, he served his country with distinction in the United States Marine Corps as a buck sergeant. He earned a bachelor's degree from Allen University and pursued additional education at Temple University; and

Whereas, Senator Patterson earned his master's degree in education from South Carolina State College in 1971; and

Whereas, he received honorary doctor of laws degrees from both South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, he taught for fourteen years at W.A. Perry Middle School, C.A. Johnson High School, and Benedict College; and

Whereas, he began his career at the State House in 1974 with election to the South Carolina House of Representatives, capturing a seat he filled until 1985, when he was elected to the Senate. In 1990, he served as chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus; and

Whereas, Senator Patterson is a member of five Senate committees: Banking and Insurance, Corrections and Penology, Education, Finance, and Invitations. He also serves as chairman of the Richland County Legislative Delegation and was honored in the BellSouth 2003 South Carolina African-American History Calendar; and

Whereas, married to Jean James of Pinewood, he is the father of Eric (deceased) and Pamela, as well as proud grandfather of Eric, Jr., Ashley, and Courtland. Senator Patterson is a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where he has served as senior warden, secretary, and treasurer of the vestry. He is active in many civic and community organizations and is a life member of the NAACP; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly regretted to learn that he would not seek re-election, and wish to express their deepest gratitude for his dedicated service to the people of Richland County and the State of South Carolina, as well as their sincere wishes for enjoyable challenges in the years ahead. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commend the Honorable Kay Patterson, of Richland County, for his thirty-four years of faithful service to the citizens of Richland County and the State of South Carolina, and wish him happiness and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to our distinguished colleague, the Honorable Kay Patterson.