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TO EXTEND THE WARMEST THANKS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO HARRY THOMPSON "TOM" CONE OF LEXINGTON UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER AN EXEMPLARY CAREER SPANNING MORE THAN FOUR DECADES AND TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, WHICH HAVE BROUGHT DESERVED CREDIT NOT ONLY UPON HIMSELF BUT ALSO UPON THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, Orangeburg native Harry Thompson "Tom" Cone received his early education in the Orangeburg School System, his bachelor's degree from Furman University, and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He also did further graduate study in political science and theory at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville; and
Whereas, beginning his career in state service on July 1, 1975, in the Office of Criminal Justice Programs, Division of Administration, Executive Office of the Governor, Tom remained with OCJP until December 16, 1976, at which time he joined the South Carolina Legislative Council as staff attorney. In 1978, Tom left Council to accept employment with the United States House of Representatives, serving while there as special counsel to the House Committee on Ethics; and
Whereas, in January 1983, Tom returned to the Legislative Council, ultimately becoming its chief counsel and an acknowledged expert in budgeting, taxation, and retirement matters, areas in which he has few peers by common agreement of members and colleagues alike. He was also appointed to the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Commission where he was instrumental in helping improve choices and drive down costs in state employees' 401(k), 457, and Roth options; and
Whereas, this man of keen intellect and generous spirit enthusiastically and selflessly nurtured a multitude of legislative attorneys, sharing not only his vast knowledge of the law but also his unmatched institutional knowledge of the General Assembly, often employing anecdotes that would leave the attorney as greatly amused as he was informed. Few have know Tom Cone for long without being impressed by his wit and wisdom; and
Whereas, a loyal alumnus and generous financial supporter of Furman University, Tom appreciates Furman's academic seminars and lectures, always attending when his schedule permits. He encourages every young person he meets to "go to Furman"; and
Whereas, aside from his expertise in the law, Tom is known for his affinity for classical music and fine wine and an unusual tolerance for his two somewhat ungrateful cats, Draino (a State House grounds rescue) and Miss Neeses; and
Whereas, more than anything else, Tom will be remembered as a man to whom family is genuinely important, whether it be his work family at the State House; his brother, Dr. George Cone; George's wife, Laurie; their sons, Robert and Charles; Robert's wife, Emily; or their son, Preston; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly would simply like to say thanks to this wonderful son of South Carolina and wish him Godspeed as he retires from his legislative duties and enters the next phase of a life of achievement and integrity. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, extend their warmest thanks to Harry Thompson "Tom" Cone of Lexington upon his retirement from the South Carolina Legislative Council after an exemplary career spanning more than four decades and express gratitude for his contributions to the legislative process, which have brought deserved credit not only upon himself but also upon the General Assembly.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Harry Thompson "Tom" Cone.
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