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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JOHN FRANKLIN THAMES, TEACHER AND COACH AT MANNING HIGH SCHOOL, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, it is altogether fitting that the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to John Franklin Thames for his significant contributions to education in the Palmetto State; and
Whereas, John Thames graduated from Manning High School in 1953 and earned a bachelor's degree from Presbyterian College in 1958; and
Whereas, after he served a thirteen-month tour of duty in Korea as a tank platoon leader in the United States Army and six months at Fort Jackson, he followed his dream to teach at his alma mater; and
Whereas, Mr. Thames has taught United States history for fifty-five years at Manning High School and has served as head basketball coach of Manning's Lady Monarchs for forty-seven years; and
Whereas, the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Mr. Thames as the Outstanding South Carolina Teacher of United States History in 2008, and he was inducted into the Kappa Alpha Order Court of Honor in the spring of 2009; and
Whereas, under his leadership, the Lady Monarchs won two state championships and were runners up three times. He was named the winningest girls basketball coach in South Carolina with his eight hundred fifty-seventh victory; and
Whereas, Mr. Thames coached baseball for fourteen years, served as assistant coach of the Manning football team for thirty-six years, and for more than fifteen years provided a free basketball camp in June; and
Whereas, in 1993, he was recognized by the Clarendon School District Two School Board when the gymnasium was named the John Franklin Thames Arena in his honor; and
Whereas, Presbyterian College named Coach Thames the recipient of the 2001 Bob Waters Award as a distinguished alumni who provided outstanding leadership and service to society in the profession of athletic coaching and who personifies values of excellence and integrity held dear to the college; and
Whereas, inducted into the Clarendon County Education Hall of Fame, the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in its 2009 inaugural year, and the Clarendon County Athletic Hall of Fame, he also received the Order of the Silver Crescent from Governor Mark Sanford; and
Whereas, a long-time and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Manning where he teaches Sunday school in the Junior Department, he believes that all good things come from above as he has lived out his dream of teaching at Manning High School; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina are grateful for the years of unparalleled dedication that John Thames has devoted to education and coaching and wish him many years of enjoyment in his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor John Franklin Thames, teacher and coach at Manning High School, upon the occasion of his retirement after fifty-five years of exemplary service, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to John Franklin Thames.
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