TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF MURRAY WHITE, JR., OF FORT MILL AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina Senate was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Murray White, Jr., of Fort Mill on February 16, 2021, at the venerable age of seventy-nine; and
Whereas, born in Fort Mill to Murray B. White, Sr., and Irene Wilson White, Murray White, Jr., entered this world on May 12, 1941. He was a proud alumnus of Presbyterian College, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1963. In September of that same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Hipp, the Lord blessing the couple with a fine family of three children; and
Whereas, upon graduation, he received a commission in the U.S. Army. After two years of active duty, Murray joined the South Carolina Army National Guard, retiring thirty years later as a colonel. For his military service, he received many awards, including the coveted Legion of Merit; and
Whereas, throughout his entire professional career, Murray was a loyal employee of the Springs Company, where he served as president of the Insurance Agency Division; and
Whereas, he held many positions in area civic organizations, such as the Jaycees, Toastmasters, and Chamber of Commerce, and was secretary of the South Carolina Association of Independent Insurance Agents. The Fort Mill Chamber of Commerce recognized Murray's service by naming him the 1989 Citizen of the Year. In 2016, the chamber also presented Murray with its Lifetime Achievement Award; and
Whereas, in addition, Murray was elected to the York County Council and served for fourteen years, four of them as chairman. He was passionate about his service to York County and worked hard to bring accountability and trust to local government; and
Whereas, Murray belonged to a family of educators and was well read and scholarly. He helped create the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools and, with his family, recently established the Irene Wilson White Future Teacher Scholarship with the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools; and
Whereas, a man who found much joy in nature, he became a strong advocate for land conservation and preservation. This founding member of the York County Forever Commission was also chair of the Catawba River Task Force. He received the first Murray B. White Preservationist of the Year award, given by the Springs-Close family and named in his honor. He won the 2007 BMW South Carolina Conservationist of the Year award, among other honors. He was the founder of the Nation Ford Land Trust; and
Whereas, his service to his church, Unity Presbyterian in Fort Mill, was most important to Murray. He taught Sunday School, served as a deacon and elder, chaired many committees, and was active in Providence Presbytery; and
Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Joyce Hipp White; his children, Patrick Murray White (Jamie), Susan Leigh Kidd (Daryl), and Martha Grace Waters (Frank); his ten grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. Murray White was a visionary for the future, an inspiration to all who knew him, and a selfless servant. He was an advocate for Fort Mill and York County and his leadership was invaluable to our community. The people of South Carolina were made better by his influence and will greatly miss his impactful presence. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Murray White, Jr., of Fort Mill 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. Joyce Hipp White for the family.