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TO HONOR AND COMMEND MAYOR JAMES WILLIAMS OF RIDGEVILLE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER OVER TWELVE YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY.
Whereas, the members of the Senate of South Carolina deem it altogether fitting and proper to pause in their deliberations to recognize the good works of Mayor James Williams on the milestone event of his retirement; and
Whereas, Mayor James Williams was born in the town of Ridgeville and graduated from Kennedy High School in Harleyville. After high school, Mr. Williams joined the United States Navy where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Grand Canyon. When he was discharged from the Navy, he migrated to Brooklyn, New York. Here he joined Cornerstone Baptist Church and served as a member of the Non Align Group; and
Whereas, during his stay in New York, Mr. Williams worked on various jobs, but truly found enjoyment in the twenty-four years he dedicated to working with the New York City Transit Authority. Over the course of his tenure with the Authority, he served as a conductor, train operator, and retired in the role of train dispatcher; and
Whereas, while in New York, Mr. Williams married the love of his life, long-time friend and schoolmate Betty White, also from Ridgeville; and
Whereas, upon retiring from the New York City Transit Authority, he returned to his roots and reestablished his home in Ridgeville, where he became a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church and serves as the church treasurer and a member of the Trustee Board; and
Whereas, dedicated to his community, Mr. Williams is also a member of the following civic organizations: McDaniel Lodge #435, where he was a master; T.J. Felder Chapter #37, where he formerly served as high priest; Martin Luther King, Jr. Consistory #349, having served as commander and chief; and he is a former worthy patron of Pride of McDaniel Chapter #334 Order of the Eastern Stars. Currently, Mr. Williams serves as the Advisor and Organizer for the Knights of Pythagoras, Elbert C. Hutchinson Council #435; and
Whereas, in 1995, he began working as a volunteer for the town of Ridgeville's Parks and Recreation Department. Finding he wanted to make a difference for the town, Mr. Williams ran for and was elected to the Town Council in 1997, where he served two terms. In 2005, he wanted to better serve his constituents, and so he answered the call to run for the office of Mayor. He has been serving in this capacity since April 15, 2005; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the years of dedication that Mayor James Williams has devoted to the town of Ridgeville and wish him many years of enjoyment in his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor and commend Mayor James Williams of Ridgeville on the occasion of his retirement after over twelve years of public service to his community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mayor James Williams.
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