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TO HONOR DAVID COLEMAN SOJOURNER, OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS NINETIETH BIRTHDAY ON NOVEMBER 19, 2017, AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR A LIFE DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF OTHERS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives deem it altogether fitting and proper to pause in their deliberations to recognize Mr. David Coleman Sojourner on the milestone occasion of his ninetieth birthday and to honor him for the years he has dedicated to the community of St. George in Dorchester County; and
Whereas, David Sojourner was born on November 19, 1927, in Greenwood, South Carolina, at the home of his maternal grandparents George and Mary Fellers. His mother Ruth Sojourner was a teacher, and his father David Paul Sojourner was a bookkeeper for Neeley Chevrolet in Denmark, South Carolina; and
Whereas, in 1936, the family moved to St. George when Mr. Sojourner's parents bought the Chevrolet dealership there. His dad operated the business and his mother kept the books; and
Whereas, Mr. Sojourner was educated in St. George public schools. He graduated from St. George High School in 1945 and entered Clemson College (now Clemson University) at sixteen years of age, studying Mechanical Engineering and graduating in 1949; and
Whereas, in 1950, Mr. Sojourner was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his time in the Chemical Corps. After his honorable discharge, he returned home in October 1952; and
Whereas, after arriving back in St. George, he worked with his dad at the Chevrolet dealership, operating the business together for approximately forty-eight years; and
Whereas, on April 24, 1954, he married the love of his life, Betty Carolyn Durr. Together, they had two treasured children, David Coleman Sojourner, Jr., and Ruth Betsill Sojourner; and
Whereas, dedicated to community service, Mr. Sojourner belonged to multiple civic oriented organizations including the American Legion Post 105, where he served as Commander; the Masonic Lodge, serving as Master; he was a Shriner and a member of the Business Men's Club, where he served as President. Additionally, he was a charter member and president of the Rotary Club, as well as being a member of other like organizations; and
Whereas, a devoted Methodist, he served on every committee at his church, St. George United Methodist Church. Furthermore, he taught Sunday school and served on the board for over sixty years; and
Whereas, his commitment to the church extended past his own church, leading him to serve on district and conference level committees of the Methodist church; and
Whereas, Mr. Sojourner further dedicated his service to the Board of Visitors at Methodist Oaks for eight years and fulfilled two terms on the Trustee Board. He now has a building there named for him; and
Whereas, David's devotion to the community lead him to public service. He was elected Mayor on two separate occasions, serving for two or more terms with each appointment. Additionally, he served on the town council and as municipal judge; and
Whereas, in his early adult life, Mr. Sojourner helped to mold young minds by working with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts; and
Whereas, he even organized a parade to welcome home a returning prisoner of war, Dickie Knight; and
Whereas, Mr. Sojourner has given much of himself, leading a long life of service to others. The members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are glad to be able to call such a dedicated citizen a son of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor David Coleman Sojourner, of Dorchester County, on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday on November 19, 2017, and commend him for a life dedicated to the service of others.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. David Coleman Sojourner.
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