A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE HERBERT GADSON, FORMER MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF HOLLYWOOD, 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 the Honorable Herbert Gadson, former mayor of the Town of Hollywood, on January 2, 2026, at the venerable age of seventy-seven; and

 

Whereas, born on September 22, 1948, Herbert Gadson was the son of the late Rufus and Bernice Brisbon Gadson and the late Charles Ernest and Viola Brisbon Gadson. He received his early education in the public school system of Charleston County and graduated from Baptist Hill High School with honors as valedictorian of the Class of 1967. His strong convictions about the gift of education led him to earn both his bachelor's degree (1971), as well as a master's degree (1974), at South Carolina State College in the area of industrial arts education. On June 16, 1972, he wed Linda Dingle, and Herbert and his new bride were blessed with a fine family of three children and two grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, in 1989, this Lowcountry legend and civil rights pioneer was elected the first African American mayor of the Town of Hollywood, but his trailblazing had begun long before his years as mayor (1989-2003). In 1968, he and a dozen other South Carolina State University students attempted to desegregate Orangeburg's All-Star Bowling Alley, and he was beaten with a club at that time by police. Days later, during the Orangeburg Massacre on February 8, 1968, he was shot by police. When he died decades later, the bullet from that Orangeburg encounter was still lodged in his hip; and

 

Whereas, having taken up his duties as mayor, Herbert Gadson battled the crack cocaine crisis gripping the county and his town. He also played a large role in building Hollywood's infrastructure, bringing water and sewer services to Hollywood in 1993 when no one thought it was possible. He was a man for all seasons, a titan in his town and beyond. Ultimately, his touch affected many lives because he worked in such a way as to make all citizens of his rural community feel as if they had a place at the table; and

 

Whereas, Herbert Gadson leaves to cherish his memory his children, Reginald Everett Gadson, the Reverend Telley Lynnette Gadson, and Shaytee Gadson; his grandchildren, Quati LeNay Woodberry-Gadson and Qynn LeShay Woodberry-Gadson; and a host of other family members and friends. The people of South Carolina were made better by his influence and will greatly miss his impactful presence. 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 the Honorable Herbert Gadson, former mayor of the Town of Hollywood, celebrate his life, and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

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

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