A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

To request the Department of Transportation name the intersection of Lucknow Road and Johnson Pond Road in the Town of Bishopville in Lee County "Cecil L. Stevens Intersection" and erect appropriate signs or markers at this location containing these words.

 

Whereas, for more than a half century Cecil L. Stevens has served the citizens of Lee County as its auditor, serving with humility, and taking pride in a job well done. First elected in June 1974 as the youngest auditor in the State, he received a plaque celebrating his fiftieth anniversary on July 10, 2024, making him the longest serving elected government official in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, a popular and charismatic elected official, Stevens has been dubbed "The Face of Lee County" by a local newspaper. He has attended thousands of functions supporting local breakfast and service clubs, political entities, and other social programs. An ordained minister, he also has conducted hundreds of weddings and funerals for Lee County citizens when called upon; and

 

Whereas, in preparation for his life's journey, Stevens attended the public schools of Lee County where he won state honors in public speaking. He studied business law at Francis Marion University and continued his education at the Lutheran Theological Seminary. He has held most positions at his local church and is a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association; and

 

Whereas, a true patriot, Stevens served in the United States Army, the Army National Guard, and he is a member of American Legion Post 29. A call for public service has led to his affiliation with a number of boards and organizations. They include president of the Lee County Chapter of the SC State Employees Association, the SC State Employees Board of Directors, Lee County Historical Society, Lee County Arts Council, president of Alive 75 Auditors and Treasurers, charter member of the SC Association of Countywide Elected Executives, past chaplain of the SC Association of Auditors, Treasurers and Tax Collectors, and a board member of the Woodward Memorial Foundation of Lee County; and

 

Whereas, Stevens served as chairman of the Lee County Recreation Board, president of the Rotary Club, was a board member of the Bishopville Lee Daycare Center, and vice chairman of the Lee County Democratic Party. Other memberships include the Jaycees, Kiwanis and Lions clubs, president and owner of the Lee County Observer, and owner and operator of City Laundry and Dry Cleaners. His goodwill as a philanthropist has created hope for many Lee County Citizens; and

 

Whereas, with a life rooted in public service to the citizens of Lee County as auditor for years spanning more than a half century, it is only fitting and proper that Cecil L. Stevens is recognized with a highway intersection named in his honor. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the intersection of Lucknow Road and Johnson Pond Road in the Town of Bishopville in Lee County "Cecil L. Stevens Intersection" 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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