A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF George A. Malone 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 George A. Malone on February 17, 2026; and

 

Whereas, a native of Walterboro, Mr. Malone was born on September 25, 1944, to parents John Malone Sr. and Adrianna Lucken-Malone; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Malone began his career in law enforcement in 1968 as the first African American deputy at the Colleton County Sheriff's Department. He took a hiatus from this career in 1973 and was employed at Dayco Manufacturing for thirteen years. He made history once again by becoming the company's first African American supervisor in Colleton County; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Malone returned to the Sheriff's Department in 1987 as a deputy. Respectfully and diligently, he worked his way up in rank from deputy, to sergeant, lieutenant, captain/chief deputy, and to finally major, all while being the first African American in Colleton County to do so. In 1999, he was appointed as interim sheriff by the governor of South Carolina, but later, in his bid for sheriff, he unfortunately lost to his opponent. Because he was a determined individual, however, this loss did not deter him from achieving greater things; and

 

Whereas, in 2003, Mr. Malone's determination was rewarded when he ran for sheriff a second time and won. Making history once again, he became the first African American in Colleton County to be elected by the people for this prestigious position, successfully serving for two terms. After serving thirty-three years in law enforcement, he retired in 2012 from a career he loved and to which he was very dedicated; and

 

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Malone received a number of honors and awards, including Deputy of the Year, Best Elected Official via the Readers' Choice Award, and Officer of the Year for the State of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, a devout Christian, he was a lifelong member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, USA, in Walterboro; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Malone leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Christie (Scott) Riggins and Shonnece (Torriano Stephens) Malone; four grandchildren, Markell, Christian, McKenzie, and Jaila; one brother, Charles (Vivian) Malone; three "son-like" nephews, Edward Peters, Dr. Stephen Peters, and Lindberg Ancrum Jr.; a dearly devoted friend, Pamela Aikens; three godchildren, Christopher Malone, Antoine Malone, and Candice Williams; a friend and dedicated caregiver, Andrew Crawford; and a host of nieces, other nephews, former co-workers, and friends. 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 George A. Malone 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 George A. Malone.

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