Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF SAM E. MCCUEN OF LEXINGTON, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Sam E. McCuen of Lexington on December 29, 2020, at the venerable age of eighty. Respected as an honest man, Sam told the truth as a reporter in the pages of The State, as a spokesman for state agencies, and as a coach/press consultant to business leaders; and
Whereas, this man of eclectic tastes and experiences recorded a garage rock doo-wop record, became an expert on a South Carolina turtle species, and helped raise more than a million dollars for charities and cultural organizations; and
Whereas, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 15, 1940, Sam McCuen was the only child of the late Samuel "Buddy" McCuen and Minnie Harms McCuen Hubbard. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gretchen Snyder McCuen, the mother of his daughters; and
Whereas, after graduating with a journalism degree from the University of South Carolina, Sam worked for The State newspaper, earning four prestigious Associated Press awards. He also inspired and nurtured hundreds of students as an adjunct professor of journalism at his alma mater. Sam's wealth of knowledge in the field of media and communications carried him to seminars across the nation, where he taught corporate executives how to engage with the press. In time, his career path led him to serve in South Carolina state government as public relations director for the Department of Corrections and, later, for the Highway Department; and
Whereas, never one to sit and wait on life, Sam shared his talents with the his city and State by serving on numerous boards of directors, among them those of the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, Palmetto Place Children's Emergency Shelter, South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey, South Carolina Humanities Council, South Carolina Archives and History Foundation, University of South Carolina College of Journalism, City of Columbia Parks Foundation, Allen University Educational Foundation, and Columbia Museum of Art, which in 2019 honored Sam with the John Richard Craft Leadership Award; and
Whereas, throughout his life, Sam was at his best when he connected people with a need to the person or organization that could fill it. He had a knack for bringing diverse individuals and groups together, many of whom he met while advocating for his favorite causes: the arts, history and preservation, science, education, the environment, and civil rights. His depth and breadth of involvement in the capital city brought him a varied and diverse group of friends of all faiths, races, and backgrounds. All who knew him enjoyed his charm, his stories, and his outrageous sense of humor; and
Whereas, Sam remarried twenty-five years ago and leaves to cherish his memory his loving second wife, Gina A. McCuen; his daughters, Kathryn Huntley (Harry), Sandra Holland (Scott), and Debbie Elmore (Mike); his eight grandchildren, Hunt Huntley (Anne), Baker Elmore (Anna), Fielder Huntley (Elizabeth), McCuen Elmore (Lauren), Sarah Louden (Mike), Kathryn Huntley, Ben Holland, and Jennings Huntley; two stepdaughters, Ginger Davis (Patton) and Elizabeth Trenbeath (Mike); three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of friends. Indeed, Sam McCuen was a stalwart and champion friend of all and gave all of himself to those people and causes in which he believed. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Sam E. McCuen of Lexington, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Gina McCuen for the family.
This web page was last updated on January 13, 2021 at 2:28 PM