A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR. THOMAS REGINALD "REGI" THACKSTON FOR HIS DECADES OF DEDICATED GOSPEL MINISTRY AND Lifetime of public service across south carolina, TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM THE LORD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, it is entirely appropriate to honor those individuals who give selflessly of themselves to shepherd the souls of men. The Reverend Dr. Thomas Reginald Thackston, minister at Santee Summer Ministries, known lovingly as "Boat Church," stands high as an outstanding servant of the gospel and leader of the people, whose ministry, advocacy, and volunteerism have impacted countless lives throughout South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Thackston graduated from Wofford College in 1956 and earned his divinity degree at Candler School of Theology from Emory University in 1961. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater, Wofford College, in 1995; and

 

Whereas, over the course of more than four decades, Dr. Thackston faithfully served seven churches across South Carolina from 1956 to 1997. Early in his ministry, he initiated and led the city council in Conway, organizing its first biracial committee which enabled the city and county to have a peaceful merger of Horry County's schools; and

 

Whereas, in Horry County, Dr. Thackston initiated a reentry program for short-term prisoners in the county jail, aiding the individuals in their reintroduction to society by providing access to clothing, transportation, food, and job interviews upon their release; and

 

Whereas, his service to the community has reached far beyond church doors, as Dr. Thackston has served as the chairman of the Belin Board of Trustees in Murrells Inlet, secretary on the Board of Trustees at Wofford College, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Epworth Children's Home in Columbia, and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sewee Coastal Retreat Center; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Thackston has displayed his dedication to supporting the education of future generations, as he was a vital part of the reignition of the Sumter Touchdown Club, which has since grown into the largest scholarship organization for high school football players in a four-county area. He also funded an endowed scholarship at Wofford College; and

 

Whereas, after his retirement from the itinerant ministry, he served as the United Methodist Church Conference Coordinator against Video Poker and the Lottery, traveling the State speaking and championing ethics and public accountability. He also served as interim minister for churches in Conway, Manning, and Sumter. Since 1999, Dr. Thackston has faithfully led the loved "Boat Church," serving twenty-five consecutive summers until the present time; and

 

Whereas, his legacy of service has been formally recognized in recent years. In November 2024, Dr. Thackston was honored as the Alston Wilkes Society Volunteer of the Year. In February 2025, he received the Governor's Lifetime of Service Award, with the press release reading: "A lifelong advocate for education, reentry programs, and racial reconciliation, Dr. Thackston has dedicated his life to building bridges, mentoring youth, and supporting communities in need across South Carolina," noting his lifelong commitment to serving this great State; and

 

Whereas, cognizant of his many remarkable contributions graciously given to the people of South Carolina, the House takes great pleasure in expressing grateful thanks to Dr. Thackston, whose life has embodied the principles of justice, mercy, and service, and in wishing him God's best as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the Reverend Dr. Thomas Reginald "Regi" Thackston for his decades of dedicated gospel ministry and lifetime of public service across South Carolina, congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement, and wish him the Lord's richest blessings in the days ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Dr. Thomas Reginald "Regi" Thackston.

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