A house RESOLUTION

To express profound sorrow upon the passing of William Francis "Buddy" Bendt, native of Charleston, 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 passing of William Francis "Buddy" Bendt on the evening of March 15, 2024, at one hundred two years of age; and

Whereas, born on August 7, 1921, to Marie Antionette Seabrook Bendt and William Franklin Bendt, Buddy was one of four children. His mother died when he was fifteen years old, and he and his siblings were raised by their grandparents; and

Whereas, a true Charlestonian, Buddy grew up downtown on Williman, Meeting, and San Souci streets. He loved Charleston and appreciated sharing history while riding downtown on the Battery and around Colonial Lake. He was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, having received his sacraments at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later as a member of the St. John Catholic Church. He was also a charter member of Perpetual Adoration at Blessed Sacrament, a Third and Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Washington Light Infantry; and

Whereas, Buddy was a United States Army Veteran, a World War II prisoner of war, and served on the 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels." He landed at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France (D+6), fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and served all the way to the Occupation in Berlin. After the Army, he enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard, Company B, and worked at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard after thirty-eight years, and then worked for Charleston Moving and Storage; and

Whereas, for his service, Buddy received the prestigious Bronze Star and the Prisoner of War Medal. Other awards include the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), and the Belgian Fourragere Award. He also had an on-field recognition at a University of South Carolina Gamecocks game on November 19, 2011. In addition, Buddy was Clemson's "Hero of the Game" on September 5, 2015, with an on-field recognition. The City of Charleston Council declared August 17, 2021, as "William Bendt Day"; and

Whereas, Buddy loved his family, friends, faith, country, and city. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was often seen at the activities in which his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were participating in. His love for sports was strong, with passions including football, basketball, baseball, and softball, though he never grasped the concept of "wrastling" and soccer. He was known around the neighborhood for his little green truck and a quick "Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits" toot of the horn; and

Whereas, Buddy was predeceased by his wife of sixty-seven years, Dorothy "Dot" Bazzle Bendt, his parents, his siblings, Carolyn Bendt Miller, Juanita Bendt Driggers, and Harold Bendt; many cousins and close friends. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, W. Larry Bendt (Kathy) and David A. Bendt (Sallie); grandchildren, Melissa B. Ainsworth (Steve), Allison B. Hodge (Gary), Brian A. Bendt (Samantha), Brett A. Bendt, and Brittany A. Bendt; great-grandchildren, Alarie Hodge, Eliza Ainsworth, Jacob Bendt, Lilly Hodge, William Ainsworth, Amelia Ainsworth, Alex Bendt, Harrison Hodge, Brett Bendt II, and Perry Bendt. Buddy was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of William Francis "Buddy" Bendt, native of Charleston, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William Francis "Buddy" Bendt.

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