TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF WILBUR LEE JEFFCOAT OF LEXINGTON COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Wilbur Lee Jeffcoat, who exhibited a lifelong devotion to public service in our State; and

Whereas, Mr. Jeffcoat was the son of Mr. George and Mrs. Birdie Jeffcoat of Calhoun County; and

Whereas, with years of formidable experience, he led a long career as the manager of government and community affairs with the Overnite Transportation Company; and

Whereas, an active leader in his community, he served as the lead fundraiser for the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, the first vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, and president of the Lexington County Democratic Party. He also served as chairman of the Steering Committee to elect Jimmy Carter for president, and as a super delegate, he cast his vote for President Obama at the Democratic Convention in Colorado; and

Whereas, with tireless and enthusiastic devotion, Mr. Jeffcoat served on the Lexington Development Corporation, the Central Midlands Planning Council, the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Board, the South Carolina Board of Consumer Affairs, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Board, the Palmetto Senior Care Board, and the Lexington Hospital Board. He also helped build a local senior center in his hometown of Swansea; and

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Jeffcoat earned much recognition for his service and accomplishments, including a gold watch for twenty-five years of dedicated service from his job, a dinner and gold watch in his honor from the Lexington County Democratic Party, and an award of appreciation from the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and the Lexington County Board of Trustees. He also had prestigious standing as a thirty-third degree Master Mason and as a proud lifelong member of the NAACP; and

Whereas, a devoted member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Swansea, he served as a church trustee, member of the Finance Committee, and lead Sunday school teacher; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Annie, Mr. Jeffcoat reared a fine son, Christopher Lykes, Sr., who blessed his parents with two adoring grandchildren: Christopher Lykes, Jr., and Steven Lykes; and

Whereas, in recent years, Mr. Jeffcoat's grandson, Christopher Lykes, Jr., cared for him full-time; and

Whereas, Wilbur Lee Jeffcoat is hereby remembered for his legacy of service and commitment. He set a lasting standard of excellence for citizens in our State to emulate for years to come. 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 Wilbur Lee Jeffcoat of Lexington County and extend deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

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