Bill Text: SC H3529 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Dean Willie Lloyd Harriford, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-01-15 - Introduced and adopted [H3529 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2019-H3529-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DEAN WILLIE LLOYD HARRIFORD, JR., OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Willie Lloyd Harriford, Jr., of Columbia on November 14, 2018, at the venerable age of eighty-three; and
Whereas, born January 19, 1935, the son of Willie, Sr., and Thelma Harriford of Kansas City, Kansas, young Willie graduated from the public schools of Sioux City, Iowa. After high school, he earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas, where he was on a full track scholarship. Following college graduation, he served his country honorably in the United States Army; and
Whereas, he was the first African-American administrator and the director of African-American studies at the University of South Carolina. At USC, he mentored many young men and women, both black and white, who have gone on to serve in countless leadership positions in our State and nation; and
Whereas, Dean Harriford's influence stretched beyond the Midlands. He was the first black archivist to work for a former president, Harry Truman. He helped found the Martin Luther King Memorial Library, now known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, in Atlanta, Georgia; and
Whereas, after he relocated to Columbia, he finished his master's degree in history and became a professor. In addition to founding the USC African-American Studies Program and organizing the Theta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., at the university, he rose to the rank of associate dean in the USC College of Arts and Sciences before his retirement. During his retirement, Willie Harriford continued to serve his community, State, and nation in numerous ways and was honored with the establishment of the Dean Willie Lloyd Harriford Endowed Chair in African-American Studies at USC; and
Whereas, USC President Harris Pastides remembered this man of wisdom and patience as "a beacon of goodness, intellect, and strength who made an incredible difference in the lives of countless USC students and citizens of our nation"; and
Whereas, Dean Harriford leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Fosteen "Tina" Ward Harriford; three children, W.L. "Chip" Harriford (Robin), Wendy Lynn Platt, and Ward Langston Harriford (Lavita); seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Diane Harriford; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Dean Willie Lloyd Harriford, Jr., of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Fosteen "Tina" Ward Harriford for the family.
