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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE DEWITT WILLIAMS OF BERKELEY COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Dewitt Williams of Berkeley County, former member of both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate, on January 26, 2016; and
Whereas, born the son of the late Gertrude and W.D. Williams of St. Stephen, Dewitt Williams came into this world on October 12, 1919. In preparation for his life's work, he earned a bachelor's degree from Allen University in 1950 and a master's degree from South Carolina State University in 1960; and
Whereas, in that same year, he married Dollie Bradley, and the happy couple founded a family of two, daughter Devetta Williams Hughes and son Winston Dewitt Williams. The Williams children, in their turn, gave their parents the joy of five delightful grandchildren. The senior Williamses enjoyed a marriage of more than half a century before Dewitt's passing; and
Whereas, answering the call of his country, Dewitt Williams served with distinction in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945. In addition, for more than thirty years he served as an educator in Berkeley County, both as a classroom teacher and as a principal; and
Whereas, he believed strongly in personal involvement with his community, and his convictions led him to serve that community, as well as the broader community of South Carolina, in numerous capacities. These include service on the St. Stephen Town Council from 1970 to 1979, as mayor pro tem of St. Stephen from 1974 to 1979, and as the 9th District member of the South Carolina Highway Commission from 1972 to 1982. Further, from 1983 to 1996 he served in the South Carolina House of Representatives, following which service he was elected to the South Carolina Senate, where he served from 1996 to 1997; and
Whereas, as a man of faith, Dewitt Williams served his God at Allen AME Church, where he was a member of the church's board of stewards; and
Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and dedicated service to the people of South Carolina, Dewitt Williams was granted various accolades, among them the naming of a portion of South Carolina Highway 45 in Berkeley County in his honor; and
Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy his beloved wife, Dollie; his children, Devetta Williams (Randall) Hughes and Winston Dewitt (Melissa) Williams; five grandchildren; siblings Veronica Davis, George Williams, Edna Booth, Madelyn Hendricks, and Shirley Starks; and a host of other relatives and friends, including his former colleagues in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate; and
Whereas, Dewitt Williams will be remembered as a humble public servant and beloved South Carolina statesman, one who will be greatly missed. 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, express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of the Honorable Dewitt Williams of Berkeley County, celebrate his life and achievements, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mrs. Dollie Williams for the family.
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