TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JOE M. SHAW, SR., MAYOR OF LANCASTER, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of the Honorable Joe M. Shaw, Sr., Mayor of Lancaster, on November 29, 2015, at the venerable age of eighty-three; and

Whereas, born in Kershaw County, Joe Shaw came into this world on May 26, 1932, a son of the late Hobson Shaw and Carrie Lee Shaw. The young Joe was educated in the Lancaster public schools; and

Whereas, in time, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Charlotte Mullis, and with her parented a fine son, Joe M. Shaw, Jr., who has given his parents the joy of a delightful granddaughter, JoAnna; and

Whereas, first elected in 1979, Joe served as Mayor of Lancaster for thirty-three years and was very civic-minded his entire adult life. He helped develop the Dixie Youth Baseball program and served as league president for many years. He was very active in the Lancaster Jaycees, serving in many local and district offices, and for his faithful labors he received the Distinguished Service Award in 1967. He served as PTA president of several schools his son attended, including Central School and Chesterfield Avenue School; and

Whereas, in addition, Joe served as coach of the Central School football team for several years. He later joined the Lancaster Civitan chapter and served in many capacities, including that of president of the local organization, and received its Citizen of the Year Award in 1975. He helped organize the Lancaster chapter of the South Carolina Gamecock Club and served as its president for many years; and

For his labors on behalf of the citizens of this great State, in 2010 Governor Mark Sanford awarded Joe Shaw the Order of the Palmetto, the State of South Carolina's highest civilian accolade; and

Whereas, as a man of faith, Joe loved his church, where he served as an usher. He loved life, loved people, and enjoyed helping others; and

Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Charlotte Mullis Shaw; a son, Joe M. (Melanie) Shaw, Jr., of Irmo; a granddaughter, JoAnna Lee Shaw of Chester; a step-granddaughter, Emily Kennedy Merritt of Irmo; a sister, Jean S. Doverspike of Columbia; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with 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 death of the Honorable Joe M. Shaw, Sr., Mayor of Lancaster, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mrs. Charlotte Shaw for the family and to the City of Lancaster.