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TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE ARVEST TURNER FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF NINETY SIX AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS AS HE STEPS DOWN FROM HIS DUTIES AS A COUNCILMAN.
Whereas, for decades, the Honorable Arvest Turner has brought commitment and leadership to the Town of Ninety Six both as mayor and as a member of its town council, to which he was first elected to represent Ward 4 and, most recently, Ward 5; and
Whereas, Mr. Turner's life as a public official began in 1980 when he was first elected Ward 4 town councilman. Two years later, he was elected mayor. He served in that office from time to time for many years before announcing in 2015 that he would not seek reelection but instead would run for Ninety Six Town Council to represent Ward 5. He served Ward 5 until his recent resignation; and
Whereas, during his tenure as mayor, Arvest Turner negotiated with the Tolbert family and helped the town obtain the donated land used as the site for building the Ninety Six Library. He also negotiated the removal of the old "Pender Row," which was replaced with the bank building, now known as the business office for the Ninety Six Commission of Public Works; and
Whereas, Mike Rowe, present mayor of Ninety Six, said he regrets seeing such a wealth of knowledge leave the town's government. He further said that Mr. Turner was instrumental in helping him get a grasp on the mayor's office when he was first elected and that the former mayor's knowledge has been part of the decisions made ever since; and
Whereas, in addition to serving his town, Mr. Turner heeded the call of his country to serve for two years in the U.S. Navy. During these years, this native of Ninety Six was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and served on the USS Alstede. Except for his two years of military service, he has lived his entire life in his beloved hometown; and
Whereas, because he has always believed strongly in personal involvement with his community, Mr. Turner has served that community in numerous capacities. These include membership in the Greenwood County Economic Development Board, Greenwood City/County Planning Board, and Greenwood City/County Board of Zoning Appeals. Further, he is a former member of the Ninety Six American Legion, as well as a current member of Eureka Lodge No. 47 A.F.M. and the Greenwood Municipal Credit Union Board of Directors. As a man of faith, he serves on the Temple Baptist Church trustee and deacon boards. Formerly, he served his church as a choir director and as a Royal Ambassador leader for young boys. As part of his work as a public official, Mr. Turner graduated from the Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government; and
Whereas, Arvest Turner considers it one of the greatest triumphs of his life that he was able to persuade the lovely Marlene Bufford to become his wife. Now celebrating fifty-nine years of marriage, the Turners are the proud parents of two sons, Jeff and Craig, who have given their mom and dad the joy of three delightful grandchildren and two charming great-grandchildren; and
Whereas, appreciative of the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Arvest Turner has bestowed on this great State, particularly the Town of Ninety Six, the members of the House take great pleasure in wishing him well as he leaves town council. He carries with him the gratitude and good wishes of all his colleagues and constituents. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and congratulate the Honorable Arvest Turner for his many years of dedicated service to the town of Ninety Six and extend best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors as he steps down from his duties as a councilman.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Arvest Turner.
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