S*1251 Session 112 (1997-1998)
S*1251 Resolution, By Wilson, Courson, Giese, Lander, Ryberg and Setzler
A SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING THE MEMORY OF LEXINGTON COUNTY'S BELOVED
HISTORIAN CLAYTON B. KLECKLEY AND EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TO HIS FAMILY AND COUNTLESS FRIENDS.
05/21/98 Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-5
A SENATE RESOLUTION
HONORING THE MEMORY OF LEXINGTON COUNTY'S
BELOVED HISTORIAN CLAYTON B. KLECKLEY AND
EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS
OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TO HIS FAMILY AND
COUNTLESS FRIENDS.
Whereas, with the death of Clayton B. Kleckley on Saturday, May 9,
1998, at the age of seventy-seven, a storehouse of historical
knowledge about part of Lexington County covered up by rapid
development also passes on; and
Whereas, Clayton Kleckley was born in West Columbia and was the
son of the late Milledge Nathaniel and Addy Roof Kleckley; and
Whereas, he is survived by his wife, Peggy H. Kleckley; daughters,
Dr. Gretchen N. Kleckley of West Columbia and Nancy A.
Kleckley-Hughey; sons , Dr. David M. Kleckley of Atlanta and Dr.
Clay R. Kleckley of State College, Pennsylvania; and grandchildren,
Rebecca C. Kleckley, Saul E. Saylors, and David K. Hughey; and
Whereas, he was a United States Army Veteran and retired from the
Federal Civil Service after forty-five years; and
Whereas, Mr. Kleckley was a patriot, churchman, and family man,
but his passion was history -- local history; and
Whereas, Mr. Kleckley's imprint was left firmly on three historical
institutions in this area. He was Chairman of the Lexington County
Museum Commission when the museum was established on Fox
Street in Lexington and was the first civilian curator at the fledgling
Fort Jackson Museum. When the Cayce Historical Commission was
trying to establish its museum, members quickly turned to Mr.
Kleckley to help them -- asking him to start a museum on Cayce's
history was throwing the rabbit into the briar patch. While
knowledgeable about the whole county, his speciality was the
colonial history of Cayce, West Columbia, and the rest of eastern
Lexington County. He was instrumental in providing recognition for
the St. John Baptist Church of Dixiana and for placing numerous
historical markers throughout the community. He assembled military
memorabilia for the display cases donated by Vince Egan for Camp
Moore at Styx, South Carolina, which is now the site of the Pine
Ridge National Guard Armory where the firing range wall is being
restored in his memory; and
Whereas, the house in which Clayton Kleckley was born, on U.S.
Highway 378 near Interstate 26, was still his home when he died. He
identified it as on the route Sherman followed in February 1865
following the burning of Lexington en route to the burning of
Columbia. The place still stands as a handsome, tree-shaded home
surrounded by the plastic and concrete of commercial development.
It was on this small family farm that he was first inspired toward
history from listening to tales passed along by "Uncle
Tom" Fridayburg, son of ex-slaves who worked for Mr.
Kleckley's father; and
Whereas, two years ago, he visited the land of his ancestors in
Switzerland and returned with a book's worth of knowledge about his
family's own history. As always, he was eager to share it; and
Whereas, Mr. Kleckley was and continues to be known by many as
one of Lexington County's most distinguished and knowledgeable
historians; and
Whereas, he was actively involved in church endeavors, as evidenced
by his service as a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Past Master of the
Sinclair Masonic Lodge No. 154, AFM, and Grand Royal
Patron-Order of the Amaranth Trinity Court No. 6 of South Carolina;
and
Whereas, Clayton B. Kleckley epitomized what society has come to
love and respect in their most dedicated public servants and will long
be remembered for his gentle personality; and
Whereas, this dear and caring man will be sorely missed by all whose
lives touched his; and
Whereas, we express appreciation for Clayton B. Kleckley's life, and
his accomplishments and dedication will live long in our memory.
Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution,
honor the memory of Lexington County's beloved historian Clayton
B. Kleckley and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and
countless friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to
his family.
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