H*4049 Concurrent Resolution, By D. Smith
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL
 ASSEMBLY AT THE DEATH OF PHILLIP RAY WILSON OF SPARTANBURG, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
 AT SPARTANBURG HIGH SCHOOL, AND EXTENDING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY
 FRIENDS.

   04/22/97  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-7
   04/23/97  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-7

EXPRESSING THE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE DEATH OF PHILLIP RAY WILSON OF SPARTANBURG, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT SPARTANBURG HIGH SCHOOL, AND EXTENDING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, Phillip Ray Wilson of Spartanburg, Athletic Director at Spartanburg High School, died unexpectedly of a heart attack this winter at the age of fifty-two; and

Whereas, Ray Wilson was born in Montgomery, Alabama, attended McColl High School in South Carolina, and graduated from Elon College in North Carolina in 1967 with a B.A. Degree in Health and Physical Education; and

Whereas, he did post-graduate work at the University of South Carolina and East Carolina University; and

Whereas, at McColl High School, he earned sixteen varsity letters (five in football, four in basketball, three in baseball, and four in track); he was the 1963 South Carolina State Shot Put Champion; at Elon College he earned six varsity letters (three in football, two in track, and one in baseball); he was a three-year starter at center on the Elon football team and played on two Carolina Conference championship teams at Elon; and

Whereas, Ray Wilson was an outstanding and greatly admired coach and athletic director; in 1991, he was one of only six athletic directors in the country who received the National Federation Citation and was also the SCAC Association Athletic Director of the Year for 1991; and

Whereas, his stellar professional career in athletics was centered at Spartanburg High School beginning in 1983; for a year he was Administrative Assistant and Assistant Football Coach at the school; from 1984 to 1985 he served as Assistant Football Coach; from 1985 to 1986 he was Assistant Athletic Director for the school; and from 1986 until his death in 1997 he was Director of Athletics for Spartanburg High; and

Whereas, Ray Wilson was known and recognized as one of the most talented and accomplished athletes, coaches, and athletic directors ever in the State of South Carolina; he had many great achievements and received numerous honors in his professional career; he oversaw one of the best athletic programs in the Palmetto State at Spartanburg High and he was loved for his dedication, generosity, talent, and character; and

Whereas, his death was a tremendous shock to everyone connected with Spartanburg High School, to the City and the County of Spartanburg, and to the countless individuals who knew him and were touched by his life across South Carolina and the Southeast; however, his legacy was one of faith, accomplishment, and happiness; therefore, although Ray Wilson will be greatly missed, we all are able to celebrate his legacy and to express thanks to the Creator for the gift of his life. 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, by this resolution, express sorrow at the death of Phillip Ray Wilson of Spartanburg, Athletic Director at Spartanburg High School, and extend sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ray Wilson's family and to the students, faculty, and staff of Spartanburg High School.