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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE C. LEM HARPER, SR., OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Honorable C. Lem Harper, Sr., of Columbia on December 12, 2014, at the venerable age of ninety-six; and
Whereas, a native of Ocilla, Georgia, this successful businessman and devoted family man was born a son of the late James and Willie Mae Harper. Having graduated from Columbia High School, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II; and
Whereas, he was owner and operator of C. Lem Harper Tailoring Company, and his entrepreneurial spirit also provided opportunities as one of four partners of the Wade Hampton Hotel; and
Whereas, sports claimed a significant place in his life. A former board member of Columbia Country Club, he enjoyed his passion for golf in that setting. He was past president of the Southern Conference of Football Officials Association and served as a football instructor for the U.S. Air Force Sports Program overseas in Spain, Germany, and Hawaii. During this time, he worked with legendary coaches Darrell Royal of Texas, Bob Devaney of Nebraska, and Pappy Lewis of West Virginia; and
Whereas, in the political arena, Mr. Harper was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives for three terms. In addition, he was elected to the South Carolina Employment Security Commission seven times, serving the State in that capacity for twenty-five years and having a profound effect as mentor and friend to so many at the agency; and
Whereas, his many civic pursuits included membership in the American Legion (Post 6), Jamil Shriners, Masonic Lodge #39, and Scottish Rite. As a respected leader, Mr. Harper served as president of the South Carolina Jaycees, Columbia Jaycees, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and Columbia Junior Chamber of Commerce, and he was a member of the Advisory Council of the USO. He served his God as a longtime member of Bethel United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, in 1996, Lem Harper was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, this state's highest civilian award, for his unwavering devotion to serving the citizens of South Carolina. In recognition of his distinguished service, the South Carolina General Assembly, by resolution, named the new building at the Employment Security Commission Columbia Complex in his honor; and
Whereas, preceded in death by his faithful wife of sixty-one years, Rebecca Roddey Harper, as well as four brothers and one sister, Mr. Harper leaves to cherish his memory four children, Lynne McCartha (Thomas) of Columbia; Laurie Auld (Bruce) of Franklin, North Carolina; C. Lem Harper, Jr., (Brenda) of Columbia; and Darrell Harper of Blythewood. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Jennifer McCartha Pearce (Lee), Chris B. Auld, W. Cory Auld, Clay H. Auld, Rebekah Auld Boutwell (Robby), Ryan Harper, Richard Harper, and Kyle and Cole Harper, along with five great-grandchildren, Harper, Preston, and Langley Pearce and Isabella and Riley Auld. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and serving with him; and
Whereas, Lem Harper's generosity of spirit, energetic nature, and general enthusiasm for life, work, family, and friends were unmatched, and he will be remembered as a humble public servant and beloved South Carolina statesman. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable C. Lem Harper, Sr., of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to C. Lem Harper, Jr., for the family.
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