A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF Pearl Fryar AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pearl Fryar on April 4, 2026; and

 

Whereas, a native of Clinton, North Carolina, Mr. Fryar was born in 1939 to a family of sharecroppers. His parents instilled in him a powerful work ethic, moral responsibility, and the importance of kindness to all. Like his brother and sister, he helped out on the family farm from a young age, and then he attended North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University in the 1960s; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Fryar served in Korea. After marrying his boyhood sweetheart, Metra, the couple lived in New York City; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Fryar worked for American Can Company/Rexam for thirty-six years, including during the manufacturing transition from steel to aluminum. While working full time, he moved to Bishopville and started his topiary garden by pruning trees and shrubs on his home property; and

 

Whereas, beginning in the 1980s, Mr. Fryar cleared a cornfield on his home property to create a three-acre topiary garden that is stunningly beautiful, whimsical, educational, and inspiring. Many of the plants in the garden were rescued from nursery compost piles. Mr. Fryar transformed discarded trees and shrubs into an arresting landscape of living plant sculptures; and

 

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Fryar became known for his extraordinary handiwork. He was featured in newspapers and magazines, appeared on television, and spoke far and wide at gardens, galleries, and festivals. The acclaimed documentary, A Man Named Pearl, charts his creative journey. He made a John Deere tractor commercial and attracted visitors by the thousands; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Fryar's garden is intentionally apolitical and spiritually non-sectarian, expressing the message of "Love, Peace, and Goodwill." Offering a special feeling of sanctuary and oasis, the garden's living plant invocation is universal, transcending all differences among people and ideologies. Mr. Fryar wanted his garden to remain free to all, retaining a self-contained, intimate presence amid a quiet, semi-rural neighborhood; and

 

Whereas, a caring member of his community, Mr. Fryar created a scholarship fund for "average" students in South Carolina in support of their post-high school education; and

 

Whereas, from the humble wellspring of ancestral African American roots, Mr. Fryar bears the torch of hard work, passion, and humility. Living modestly in simple abundance, he considered himself richly blessed. He viewed his life as service to family, spirit, and community. His garden is an enthusiastic offering to all; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Fryar leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Metra, and his son, Patrick. He will be greatly missed.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Pearl Fryar and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pearl Fryar.

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