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TO HONOR DONALD VINSON MYERS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECENT RETIREMENT AS SOLICITOR OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT AND TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS OVER FORTY YEARS OF DEDICATION TO PROVIDING JUSTICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR GREAT STATE.
Whereas, since November 22, 1976, the counties of Edgefield, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda have had the privilege of receiving the services of one of the most renowned prosecutors in the United States. After over forty years in the position of solicitor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Donald Vinson Myers retired on January 9, 2017; and
Whereas, known as "Donnie" to friends and family, he was born to the late Leon Clifton Myers, Sr., and the late Ida Lee Hutto Myers on April 2, 1945. He attended the University of South Carolina on a football scholarship, where he earned a bachelor of science in mathematics and physics. His athletic prowess was further evidenced when he lettered in baseball at USC. Donnie then went on to earn his juris doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law; and
Whereas, this Reevesville native enjoyed a long, varied career. Serving first as a middle school instructor, he next took up his duties as a special agent for the Office of Special Investigations in the United States Air Force (1971-1972), after which he became the assistant attorney general for South Carolina (1972-1976). He found his calling at the commencement of his career as a solicitor; and
Whereas, Donnie's lengthy career is distinguished by his multitude of accolades. He was granted the 1991 National Trial Attorney of the Year Award, South Carolina Victim Assistance Network Silver Scales of Justice Award, 1996 South Carolina Citizens and Merchants Association Outstanding Solicitor of the Year Award, and other honors too numerous to name; and
Whereas, greatly esteemed for his expertise, he has been a contributing author for various publications, as well as a teacher in many forums. Furthermore, he has held posts as president of the South Carolina Solicitors' Association, chairman of the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination, and secretary for the National District Attorneys Association Board of Directors, and he has served on committees and councils such as the Governor's Committee on Highway Safety and South Carolina Judicial Council, as well as the Governor's Committee on Criminal Justice, Crime and Delinquency; and
Whereas, in a 2016 report by Harvard Law School in its Fair Punishment Project, Donnie was named one of America's top-five deadliest prosecutors. He prosecuted the first death penalty case in South Carolina under the present law. Three of his cases were the subject of television movies, and several were profiled on crime court networks and in national publications; and
Whereas, known for his pioneering efforts, Donnie established the first Drug Court, Juvenile Arbitration Program, and Worthless Check Unit in the State. His forty-year prosecutorial career makes him the second-longest-serving solicitor in South Carolina; and
Whereas, the General Assembly is grateful for the legacy of dedication and service Donnie Myers has given our State. It is with great regret that his many admirers have seen him hang up his hat, but all who know him take great pleasure in wishing him all the best in his much-deserved retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, honor Donald Vinson Myers on the occasion of his recent retirement as solicitor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and extend deep appreciation for his over forty years of dedication to providing justice for the people of our great State.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Donnie Myers.
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