A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE ALFRED HOLLIS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM A JOYOUS CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, born on April 26, 1926, Alfred Hollis, a native of South Carolina, has witnessed a century marked by profound social change, remarkable technological advancement, and significant global development; and

 

Whereas, rising from humble beginnings, he became a man of exceptional strength, unwavering faith, and steadfast devotion to his family and community. His life exemplifies resilience, vitality, and service, leaving a powerful legacy that continues to inspire all who know him; and

 

Whereas, the son of the late Preston and Marie Martin Hollis, Alfred Hollis was born in the Jenkinsville community of Fairfield County as the nineth of twelve children. Grounded in strong Christian values, he joined Mount Moriah Baptist Church where he was selected to serve as a trustee and was ordained as a deacon in 1951; and

 

Whereas, drafted into the United States Army in 1944, prior to his graduation from high school, he honorably served his country during WWII from November 29, 1944, until August 15, 1946, attaining the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. Following his military service, he returned home and graduated from Camp Liberty High School in Jenkinsville; and

 

Whereas, after his discharge from the Army, he held various positions before beginning a distinguished civilian career at Moncrief Army Community Hospital in the food service department, where he served for thirty-seven years before retiring in 1989. Advancing from dining facility attendant to supervisor, he earned numerous letters of appreciation, certificates, awards, and commendations, including recognition as Federal Employee of the Year in 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1982, as well as multiple monetary awards for exemplary service and innovative contributions benefiting Fort Jackson, the Veterans Administration, and Richland County; and

 

Whereas, deeply committed to civic engagement, he played an instrumental role in facilitating voter registration and the integration of the Fairfield County school system. He was among the first Black notaries public in Fairfield County and served for more than fifteen years on the Fairfield County school board, including multiple terms as vice chairman. He also received the All-State School Board Award at Level #5 in 1991; and

 

Whereas, during the 1960s, he was one of nine founding members of the Jenkinsville Water Company, serving for more than thirty years and holding the position of chairman for twelve years. His community service further included membership on the United Black Fund Board, the Clemson Extension Board, and the Fairfield County Board of Social Services. Additionally, he served as a Boy Scout leader and was instrumental in establishing the Jenkinsville Fire Department, where he also served on its board of directors; and

 

Whereas, in 1950, he married the love of his life, the late Annie Mae Chatman, and together they shared sixty years of marriage. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Nadine, and three sons, Ricky, Dexter, and Quentin, as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Together, they built a family rooted in love, Christian values, and principles that continue to guide future generations; and

 

Whereas, it is with profound admiration and heartfelt appreciation that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives recognize Alfred Hollis, an extraordinary son of the Palmetto State, as he celebrates his centennial birthday. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Alfred Hollis of Fairfield County on the occasion of his 100^th birthday, and wish him a joyous celebration and much happiness in the days ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Alfred Hollis.

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