A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Harry Cooper "Bunt" Wilson, Jr. OF Sumter COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS eightieth BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION surrounded by family and MANY friends.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are delighted to learn that Harry Cooper "Bunt" Wilson, Jr. of Sumter County will turn eighty years of age on August 16, 2026, particularly when he doesn't look a day over seventy-nine; and

 

Whereas, born and raised in Mayesville (entitling every resident to free representation during his fifty- plus year career), Bunt Wilson earned a bachelor's degree from Wofford College and a juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. His long history of service to his nation, state, and local community began with his commission in the Army, he later served as a public defender and then an assistant solicitor in Richland County before moving back to his native Sumter and practicing law with Nash, Wilson & Chappell.  He eventually became a long-term partner in the firm of Lee, Erter, and Wilson in Sumter; and

 

Whereas, Bunt's local and legal contributions were many, including membership in the Sumter Rotary Club, serving as its president from 1991-1992; Sumter Fine Arts Council; Sumter Little Theater; Sumter Gallery of Art; and the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors; and

 

Whereas, in 1995, the General Assembly elected Mr. Wilson to the Legislative Audit Council. For six years, he oversaw the staff and work of the Council publishing thirty-eight audits of state agencies. During his tenure, the National Conference of State Legislatures' National Legislative Program Evaluation Society awarded the Council an impact award for its audit on "Auto Insurance in South Carolina" and an award for "A Management Review of the Department of Natural Resources"; and

 

Whereas, in the community he loves and calls home, he has helped thousands of people, family friends from Mayesville, church members, military families at Shaw Air Force Base, domestic litigants, and others, regardless of their ability to pay. Every client was his most important client and never was one of them at fault! He continued his service to the community after leaving private practice and traded in his suits for a bullet proof vest and police car, serving as general counsel for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, which included middle of the night visits to active crime scenes; and

 

Whereas, over the years, Bunt has graciously shared his famous wit and wisdom with friends and colleagues alike, mentored many a young attorney, and even been surprised how one or two turned out (if you know, you know). In all seriousness, those who are lucky enough to know, work with, or call this extraordinary gentleman a friend are lucky enough indeed; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife of over sixty years, Lucy Bynum Barron Sanders Wilson, he has reared three wonderful children: Lucy Grey Wilson McIver, Pressley Wilson Warrick, and Harry "Cooper" Wilson, III. Their children have blessed him with the affection of ten loving grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, impressively competitive, Mr. Wilson cut a cast off his child's arm so she could play in the 8-10-year-old YMCA girls' basketball championship, and he found a friend to fly his nine-year-old son from a tennis match to a basketball game that was a must win; and

 

Whereas, though his work ethic had him seemingly working all the time, he managed to never let his family down when they needed him, always in attendance at his children's important events - even on occasion showing up for Cooper's basketball games at four o'clock on a Tuesday in Lee County in a business suit and camouflage coat. Incognito he was not. He moved Pressley into a dorm in Chapel Hill only to learn when he returned home, it was not a good fit. Super Dad to the rescue once again as he drove back the very next day to move her into another dorm. This dear man would also drive four hours to Winston-Salem during the middle of the week to watch Lucy Grey's tennis matches in person and then drive back to Sumter; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives would love to know the meaning behind the nickname - was it his love of sweets as a young boy and his failure to spell "bundt" or could it have been his signature swing in Little League baseball?  In any event, the Body is pleased to honor this treasured son of South Carolina at the celebration of his eightieth birthday and join with his family and friends in congratulating him on reaching this extraordinary milestone. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate  Harry Cooper "Bunt" Wilson, Jr. of Sumter County on the occasion of his eightieth birthday and wish him a joyous birthday celebration surrounded by his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Harry Cooper "Bunt" Wilson, Jr.

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