A senate RESOLUTION

 

To express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina Senate upon the passing of Mr. Nehemiah David McRant, to celebrate his life, and to extend their deepest sympathy to his loving family and many friends.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were saddened to learn of the passing of Nehemiah David McRant at the age of seventy-eight on December 16, 2025; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Nehemiah McRant was born on December 26, 1946, in Richland County to Mr. Alexander David and Mrs. Sallie Bell Hayes McRant. He was reared in a large loving home with his many brothers and sisters. He was baptized at an early age at St. John Baptist Church in Hopkins and he most frequently attended I. DeQuincey Newman Methodist Church in Columbia; and

 

Whereas, he and his brother shared a love of cars. They raced on back roads, Nehemiah's favorite car being a souped up, dark green Dodge Coronet; and

 

Whereas, affectionally known by many as "Mack," he attended and graduated from Hopkins High School where he played on the basketball team. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served a term of duty and received an honorable discharge. He also traveled the world as a member of the Air Force basketball team. During his tour he received an associate's degree in Aircraft Mechanics from Chanute Military Institute and later received an associate's degree from Columbia Commercial College; and

 

Whereas, together with Josephine "Jo" Alston McRant, his beloved wife, he reared one daughter, Tyra Shea McRant, to whom he was a devoted and loving father. He also had the pleasure of being a second father to his nephews, Wayne McRant of Hopkins, and Albert "Duck" Weston of Charlotte, N.C.; and

 

Whereas, Nehemiah had an impressive career including employment with Allied Chemicals, the Richland County Government, and the Southern Railway where he was offered the role of supervisor of the Andrews train yard. He also was employed by Greyhound, and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, from which he retired. While at the academy, he designed the vehicle service building, which was named in his honor. He was also a certified master mechanic whose expertise was highly respected and sought after; and

 

Whereas, in retirement he and his wife, Jo, liked national and international travel. They enjoyed going to the State Fair each year and Friday morning breakfast dates. He had a tremendous green thumb and enjoyed maintaining his yard, as well as being an excellent cook. He also collected American and foreign cars and lots of baseball caps; and

 

Whereas, all who had the pleasure of knowing Mr. McRant admired his commitment to his family and his firm, intelligent beliefs. He could frequently be found engaged in intellectual debates, and was known as a fierce friend to his neighbors and coworkers; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the life and legacy of Mr. Nehemiah David McRant for the example of passion and kindness he set for all who knew him. Mr. McRant's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and 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 Mr. Nehemiah David McRant, celebrate his life, and extend their deepest sympathy to his loving family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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