Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF LOUIS CODY SOSSAMON, A NATIVE OF GAFFNEY, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Louis Cody Sossamon on February 11, 2019, at the venerable age of ninety-seven; and
Whereas, born in Gaffney on June 2, 1921, Lou loved people, lived his life to the fullest, and never met a stranger. He valued the friendships he developed throughout his life, from senators, governors, and titans of industry to blue-collar wage earners; and
Whereas, as much as Lou cherished his friends, his family came first. He and his beloved wife, Kathryn Edgerton Sossamon, were the parents of three, Kit, Polly, and Cody. Lou's accomplishments were many, but his children, nine grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren were what he was proudest of; and
Whereas, Lou served as publisher of the Gaffney Ledger from 1969 to 1999, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Edward Hope DeCamp, who founded the publication in 1894 and was publisher until 1927. Lou also was privileged to see the example of F.W. Sossamon, his father, who was publisher from 1927 to 1969; and
Whereas, in 1943, Lou graduated from the University of South Carolina (USC), where he was student body president, a member of Blue Key Honor Society, and USC's first AP All-America football player. He served in the U.S. Navy and played professional football for the New York Yankees for three years in the All-American Football Conference, which later merged with the NFL, until returning to Gaffney in 1949, when he became the Ledger's advertising manager; and
Whereas, Lou Sossamon served his community and State as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board (chair), Limestone Presbyterian Church Board of Elders, South Carolina Press Association (past president), Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (director), and Limestone College and USC trustee boards. He was also a member of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame and State of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1998, he was named a Diamond Circle Honoree by the USC College of Journalism for outstanding contributions to print journalism; and
Whereas, this champion of Gaffney and Cherokee County was instrumental in the recruitment of several industries for the area. And at every step along the way--from student-athlete, to alumnus, to sailor, to professional athlete, to businessman, to trustee--he championed the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, Lou loved telling good jokes and stories, playing golf, and growing tomatoes. A favorite story was about the time he first laid eyes on his future wife: "It was my first game my sophomore year, [and] I was looking over to the sidelines at a cheerleader (Kathryn). I saw that young lady, and she was so pretty. Coach Enright called time-out and called me over to the sidelines. He said, `Lou, since this is your first varsity game and you have a lot to learn, I'm going to try to help you. The first thing is, when you're out there on that grass with all the white stripes on it and there are those things on either end called goalposts--that is a football field. You're supposed to be playing football, not watching the cheerleaders' "; and
Whereas, predeceased by his dear wife of sixty-five years, Kathryn, Lou leaves to cherish his memory his children, Kit Sossamon Smith (Joel), Polly Sossamon Player (Warren), and Cody Sossamon (Sherry); his grandchildren and grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of Louis Cody Sossamon, a native of Gaffney, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Louis Cody Sossamon.
This web page was last updated on February 14, 2019 at 11:43 AM