A senate RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF Clayton Milton Richardson 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 Clayton Milton Richardson on May 3, 2024; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson was born on July 8, 1928 to parents Adolphus and Rosa Cooper Zimmerman Richardson. He attended Butler High School earning the distinction of their oldest living graduate. His thirst for knowledge led him to Johnson C. Smith University where he graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in sociology; and

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Richardson served his country valiantly with deployments to Korea and Saudi Arabia. Some of his military honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Tech Sergeant (TSG) Richardson was honorably discharged in 1971; and

Whereas, after his military service, Mr. Richardson traveled across Europe for a few months to explore the world and learn about other cultures. He returned to his hometown of Hartsville to care for his beloved "Mama Rosa" until her earthly departure in 1978; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Mr. Richardson was passionate about education and mentoring youth, especially young men. He volunteered and served on the boards of the Boy Scouts, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Communities in Schools. He also founded People to People and co-founded Butler Heritage Foundation and often spearheaded community events; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson was an advocate for open dialogue and positive race relations. He rallied tirelessly for the needs of South 6th Street residents. He regularly attended city council meetings and served on task forces and commissions such as Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, United Way, City of Hartsville, Hartsville Police Department, SCORE, CareSouth, Carolina Pines Hospital, Coker College. His memberships include the American Legion, NAACP (Lifetime) and the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission, to name a few; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson was a pillar of the Hartsville Community, sometimes called the "Unofficial Mayor." He was recognized for his legacy of service with awards and citations, most notably the prestigious Order of the Palmetto (2022) and the Governor's Appreciation Award (2022). The City of Hartsville proclaimed March 12, 2016 as "Clayton Richardson Day;" and

Whereas, his lifelong membership at Centenary United Methodist Church was reflected in his selfless service on the Church Council, as a past president of the Methodist Men, Church Lay Leader, and frequent visitor to the sick and shut-ins, often accompanied by his brother, Cornell Richardson Sr.; and

Whereas, a man of valor, known and admired by many, Mr. Richardson was committed to making the world a better place. He enjoyed traveling, listening to music, eating homecooked meals, and taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas, his favorite holiday. He was an avid reader and owned an extensive collection of books; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dudley Zimmerman, Robert Zimmerman, Toynetta Z. McGraw, Pershing Zimmerman, Alwilda Z. Graham, Cornell Richardson, Rosebud R. Beverly, and Dr. Luns C. Richardson; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Eloise Richardson Paschal; niece and primary caregiver, Emma McGraw Myers (Ralph Bailey); godsons, Al and Mark Kwacepui; dear friend Billie Matthews; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. 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 Clayton Milton Richardson 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 Clayton Milton Richardson.

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