A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME United States Highway 321 from its intersection with IW Hutto Road to the intersection of South Carolina Highway 3 IN THE TOWN OF SWANSEA IN LEXINGTON COUNTY "WILBER LEE JEFFCOAT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

 

Whereas, Wilbur Lee Jeffcoat, the son of Mr. George and Mrs. Birdie Jeffcoat of Calhoun County, exhibited a lifelong devotion to public service in the Palmetto State; and

 

Whereas, with years of formidable experience, he led a long career as the manager of government and community affairs with the Overnite Transportation Company; and

 

Whereas, an active leader in his community, he served as the lead fundraiser for the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, the first vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, and president of the Lexington County Democratic Party. He worked as chairman of the steering committee to elect Jimmy Carter for president, and he was the two hundred sixty-ninth superdelegate to cast his vote for President Barack Obama at the Democratic Convention in Colorado. In doing so Mr. Jeffcoat said, "Barack Obama inspired thousands of new voters in my state of South Carolina to get involved in our democratic process and I am proud to announce my endorsement today"; and

 

Whereas, with tireless and enthusiastic devotion, Mr. Jeffcoat served on the Lexington Development Corporation, the Central Midlands Planning Council, the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Board, the South Carolina Board of Consumer Affairs, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Board, the Palmetto Senior Care Board, and the Lexington Hospital Board. He also helped build a local senior center in his hometown of Swansea; and

 

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Jeffcoat earned much recognition for his service and accomplishments, including a gold watch for twenty-five years of dedicated service from his job, a dinner and gold watch in his honor from the Lexington County Democratic Party, and an award of appreciation from the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and the Lexington County Board of Trustees. He also had prestigious standing as a thirty-third degree Master Mason and as a proud lifelong member of the NAACP; and

 

Whereas, a devoted member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Swansea, he served as a church trustee, member of the Finance Committee, and lead Sunday school teacher; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Annie, Mr. Jeffcoat reared a fine son, Christopher Lykes Sr. who blessed his parents with two adoring grandchildren: Christopher Lykes Jr. and Steven Lykes; and

 

Whereas, remembered for his legacy of service and commitment, Wilber Lee Jeffcoat set a lasting standard of excellence for citizens in this State to emulate for years to come. It is only fitting and proper that he be honored with a portion of highway in the Town of Swansea named in his memory. 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 portion of United States Highway 321 from its intersection with IW Hutto Road to the intersection of South Carolina Highway 3 in the Town of Swansea in Lexington County "Wilber Lee Jeffcoat Memorial Highway" 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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