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RECALLED
May 10, 2022
H. 5082
S. Printed 5/10/22--S.
Read the first time April 27, 2022.
TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE AT THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 1 AND YOUNG'S BRIDGE ROAD IN KERSHAW COUNTY "JUDGE THOMAS E. 'TED' DAVIS BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Whereas, from modest roots as the son of a farmer and town merchant, growing up on the streets of Bethune, Thomas Edward "Ted" Davis went on to become a leading figure in Kershaw County, from star high school athlete and dedicated soldier to compassionate attorney, county magistrate, farmer, and devoted family man; and
Whereas, born in Camden on May 19, 1940, to Loring and Kathleen Clyburn Davis, Judge Davis attended Bethune High School where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. Graduating in 1958, he began his collegiate studies at Clemson University before transferring to the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1962 with a degree in business administration. He continued his studies at the university's law school, earning his juris doctor degree in 1966; and
Whereas, while at the University of South Carolina, Judge Davis was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and during law school, was a page in the South Carolina State Senate, a lifeguard in North Myrtle Beach, and worked for the Ferry-Morse Seed Company. After law school graduation, he spent six years with the US Army Reserves, 278th Military Intelligence Detachment. While in the reserves, he practiced law for one year prior to being assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Meade, Maryland, for six months active duty; and
Whereas, in 1968, Judge Davis married Sylvia Seymour from Sumter, beginning a union that has lasted more than a half century. The union grew to include two sons, Edgar Loring Davis, who tragically died in an automobile accident in 1985, and Thomas Edward Davis, Jr.; and
Whereas, Judge Davis' early legal career included working as staff attorney for the Federal Land Bank, and as a trust officer at State Bank and Trust. In 1977, he moved his private law practice from Columbia to his hometown of Bethune, where he served Bethune and the surrounding communities with compassion and care. This compassion extended to the many churches, organizations, and families to whom he provided pro bono legal services. A hallmark of his legacy was his availability to those in need of advice or assistance. He became magistrate for Kershaw County in 1985, serving in that capacity for twenty and one-half years; and
Whereas, while practicing law for more than fifty years and serving on the bench for more than twenty years, Judge Davis was active in the operation of his father's family farm, Loring Davis Farms. He also has been a dedicated member of the Bethune Lions Club since 1977; and
Whereas, a faithful and lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Judge Davis served as board chairman for three years and finance chairman for forty-three years; and
Whereas, now retired, Judge Davis is a passionate Gamecock fan and an avid golfer. A blessing from God for which he is grateful is that his son and his family serve as Evangelical Presbyterian Church World Outreach Missionaries. He considers that his greatest worldly assets are his family that includes his wife, Sylvia, son Thomas, his daughter-in-law Carrie, his granddaughter Hannah Beth, and his two grandsons Nathaniel and Josiah; and
Whereas, it is only fitting and proper that we pay homage to this son of the Palmetto State for his decades of tireless work for the citizens of Kershaw County by naming a bridge in his honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly request the Department of Transportation name the bridge at the intersection of United States Highway 1 and Young's Bridge Road in Kershaw County "Judge Thomas E. 'Ted' Davis Bridge" and erect appropriate signs or markers at this location containing these words.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
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