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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM MCCAIN, JR., OF GILBERT 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 death of William McCain, Jr., of Gilbert on October 19, 2013; and
Whereas, born on January 27, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, Will McCain's family moved to Orangeburg, his mother's hometown, when he was ten. The young Will grew up in Orangeburg, and, in preparation for his life's work, graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1975; and
Whereas, his keen interest in government led him to serve on the Orangeburg City Council from 1981 to 1986, as well as in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1986 to 1992. He served under Governor Carroll Campbell as a legislative lobbyist and was chief of staff for Governor David Beasley; and
Whereas, Will McCain also served this State as a member of the Board of Economic Advisors from January 1999 to December 2003. To this assignment, he brought his knowledge of state government, combined with a sharp business mind, to help the board in performing its key mission of projecting state revenues and developing economic forecasts; and
Whereas, in addition, Will McCain was a partner in the consulting firm of Kelley, McCain & Smith Owens, LLC, and an active lobbyist through the end of the 2013 legislative session; and
Whereas, a committed Christian, Mr. McCain served his God as a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia. Away from the office, he indulged his love of Tar Heel basketball and the buffet at Shealy's Bar-B-Que in Batesburg-Leesville; and
Whereas, this man of character impressed even those who disagreed with him as " a big man" in stature and integrity, and his brilliant mind and gentle spirit made him a true leader in the State and community; and
Whereas, former South Carolina Governor David Beasley said of him, "Will was probably the smartest and funniest guy I ever knew. We both came from having years of experience in the House, and we knew the system very well. He was a force in accomplishing every major initiative with which we had success. I chose him not only because of his conservatism but also for his ability to think outside the box. He also had a great ability to organize and execute an agenda with great discipline"; and
Whereas, South Carolina State Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg praised Will McCain as a man whose word was his bond and whose concern was always for South Carolina. "We are better off as a State," she said, "because of his public service. Current legislators could learn...from McCain about how to be a statesman"; and
Whereas, preceded in death by his parents, William Simonton McCain and Lurline Livingston McCain, Will McCain leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Jeanelle Medlin McCain; his sister, Mary "Mimi" McCain and her husband, Hugh Auchincloss; his brother, Charles McCain; his uncle, Chuck McCain; his parents-in-law, Jerry and Jean Medlin; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of William McCain, Jr., of Gilbert and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Jeanelle Medlin McCain for the family.
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