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TO CONGRATULATE AND RECOGNIZE THE HONORABLE JOHN W. MATTHEWS, JR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS THIRTY-SIX YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THIS BODY, AND TO WISH HIM ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS TO COME.
Whereas, the Honorable John W. Matthews, Jr., has represented the citizens of Senate District 39 in Berkeley, Calhoun, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties for thirty-six years; and
Whereas, a native of Bowman, Senator Matthews was born on April 21, 1940 as the son of the late John Wesley, Sr., and the late Victoria (Williams) Matthews. He is an alumnus of South Carolina State College, and he attended Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and Lincoln Electric Institute. He holds honorary doctorates from the College of Charleston and South Carolina State University; and
Whereas, with an accomplished career as an educator and businessman, Senator Matthews served as a teacher and administrator in the public school system and as a small-business owner; and
Whereas, during his legislative tenure, Senator Matthews served in the House of Representatives from 1975 to 1984 and in the Senate from 1985 to 2020. His most notable accomplishments include improvements to education and the economic welfare of the citizens of this State. Over the years, he has lent his expertise to many committees, and he currently serves as chairman of the Finance Transportation and Regulatory Subcommittee and as a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Banking and Insurance Committee, Education Committee, Ethics Committee, and Finance Committee; and
Whereas, as a civic leader, Senator Matthews has served his community and State in various capacities, among them as former chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and chairman of the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation. In addition, he is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, the Education Oversight Committee, the Governor's Middle Grades Task Force, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and
Whereas, in recognition of his distinguished service, Senator Matthews has received many prestigious honors and awards, including the South Carolina State University Distinguished Alumni Award, induction into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame, Orangeburg County Democrat of the Year, United States Small Business Administration Minority Business Advocate of the Year, and South Carolina Primary Health Care Legislator of the Year; and
Whereas, a devout Christian, he finds his spiritual home at Pineville United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, a man dedicated to his family, Senator Matthews wed his lovely wife, the late Geraldine Hillard, fifty-nine years ago, and the two were blessed with five children: Cynthia John, Michael Andre, Stephanie Renata, John Wesley III, and Brian DeReef; and
Whereas, Senator Matthews' colleagues in the Senate are grateful for his tireless labors on behalf of the citizens of Senate District 39 and the entire State of South Carolina. The members extend their best wishes for much success and fulfillment in the years ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate and recognize the Honorable John W. Matthews, Jr., upon the occasion of his departure from the South Carolina Senate, commend him for his thirty-six years of distinguished service to this body, and wish him all the best in the years to come.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable John W. Matthews, Jr.
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