Bill Text: SC H4579 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Jennings Gary McAbee, Sr.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 78-44)
Status: (Passed) 2018-01-17 - Scrivener's error corrected [H4579 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H4579-Draft.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF JENNINGS GARY MCABEE, SR., OF MCCORMICK COUNTY, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina find it altogether fitting and proper to pause in their deliberations to honor the life and many accomplishments of Jennings Gary McAbee, Sr., of McCormick County; and
Whereas, born on October 5, 1944, in McCormick, South Carolina, Jennings was the son of the late Thomas Russell and Cornelia Dorn McAbee, also of McCormick. Jennings, having passed on December 17, 2017, will be remembered for his kindness to others and his service to the community and the State of South Carolina; and
Whereas, Jennings attended McCormick High School, where he played football and basketball. He was a 1967 graduate of Wofford College. There he studied business and economics and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college, Jennings returned to McCormick to join the family business of M.G. and J.J. Dorn, Inc. He then became a general contractor and owner of McAbee Building Supply in McCormick. Later, he was owner and president of Savannah Valley Cable Company; and
Whereas, in the early 1970s, Jennings began his life of service to the State, serving first as county magistrate from 1970 to 1972, and then as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District #12 from 1975 to 1998. His many years of service included vice chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Tourism and Trade; South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Commission executive committee; the influential Ways and Means Committee, including first vice chairman and floor leader of the budget for many years; Joint Bond Review Committee; Operations and Management Committee; House Education Committee; and House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. He was a respected and admired member of the General Assembly. Among his noteworthy accomplishments was his role in the formation of the Joint Tourism Caucus, for which the Southeast Tourism Society named him "Outstanding Tourism Legislator of the Year;" and
Whereas, for these tireless efforts to create a better world for those in his district and his State, Jennings was honored by numerous civic and state organizations. He cared deeply for those living with mental illness. He fought for agencies that protected the state's natural resources and believed in the value of the tourism industry. He was known to be a guardian of the rural areas of the State. In the late 1980s, Jennings championed legislation that helped create Savannah Lakes Village, and he worked to bring jobs to McCormick, including the state prison. In 1990, he was awarded the President's Award from Clemson University; and
Whereas, Jennings contributed to his community as a Master Mason, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, a member of the Exchange Club, American Legion, Moose Lodge, Jaycees, and Lions Club. He was a former chairman of the Cancer Society and of the Boy Scout Fund. He also served as McCormick County Economic Development Director from 1998-1999; and
Whereas, a lifelong member of McCormick First Baptist Church, Jennings was committed to bettering the lives of those around him. His credo was, "There is no limit to what can be done if it doesn't matter who gets the credit;" and
Whereas, Jennings made an impactful mark on those around him and leaves many behind who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his beloved sons Jennings Gary McAbee, Jr., (Mamie S. McAbee) and Charles Wesley McAbee (fiancée Jessica Ellis), both of McCormick; two precious grandchildren Mattison Townes "Mattie" and Jace Alexander McAbee; the mother of his children Patricia Townes Herring McAbee, and many other loved ones, including his fiancée, Betty Carol McKinney. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life of Jennings Gary McAbee, Sr., of McCormick County, 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 of Jennings Gary McAbee, Sr.
