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TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES STORE CREEK ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 174 IN CHARLESTON COUNTY THE "REVEREND TONY L. DAISE BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.
Whereas, a lifelong resident of Edisto Island, the Reverend Tony L. Daise was born here on July 2, 1918, to the late Emily and Tony L. "Sonny" Deas. He was educated at Seaside School in Charleston County and later earned a Certificate of Religion from Morris College's School of Religion in 1992; and
Whereas, Reverend Daise served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army. He returned to Edisto Island and remained there until his death on May 30, 1998, becoming a staunch community leader who fought for the rights of island residents; and
Whereas, in 1943, Reverend Daise married the late Elouise Brown Daise, a union that lasted for fifty-five years until his death. Together they raised eight children and were the proud grandparents of fifteen grandchildren. For some twenty-five years he led Edisto Island's First Missionary Baptist Church, becoming the first pastor to hail from and live on the island; and
Whereas, Reverend Daise was a founding member of the Edisto Island Ministerial Alliance, an organization of church and community faith leaders who advocated for the environment and island residents; he represented St. Paul District 23 on the Charleston County Constituent School Board; was a leader in the Ocean King Masonic Lodge; and was a member of the Old Ashley Baptist Association; and
Whereas, Reverend Daise supported voter registration drives and encouraged civic engagement. He established a transportation service for Edisto Island residents who had no other means to travel from the island. For more than forty years he taxied residents across Store Creek Bridge to and from Charleston for doctor's appointments, shopping, family visits, and to access other services not available on Edisto Island; and
Whereas, a conservationist at heart, Reverend Daise fought to control growth on Edisto Island to maintain its natural beauty. It was here, where he was born and lived, farming, fishing, crabbing, and shrimping on the Store Creek property his family owned for more than a century. And it was here, surrounded by the pristine environment he so coveted, that he spent his final days, a tribute to the residents he served, and the vestiges of a life well lived; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper that members of the South Carolina General Assembly honor the life and legacy of Reverend Tony L. Daise, who dedicated his life to the residents of Edisto Island, and where his influence still is felt today, by naming the bridge that crosses Store Creek in Charleston County in his honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That members of the South Carolina General Assembly request the Department of Transportation name the bridge that crosses Store Creek along South Carolina Highway 174 in Charleston County the "Reverend Tony L. Daise Bridge" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this bridge containing this designation.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
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