Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF COACH JOHN WADE ABSHIRE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Coach John Wade Abshire on March 9, 2022; and
Whereas, a native of Goshen, Indiana, Coach Abshire was born on May 8, 1934. A life-long Indiana Hoosier, he graduated from Indiana University and the Kelley School of Business; and
Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, Coach Abshire served as a second lieutenant following graduation. During his ROTC time at Indiana University, he was a member of the Scabbard and Blade; and
Whereas, Coach Abshire began his career with Abshire Oil Company, which was started by his grandfather in 1915, as the company's vice president; and
Whereas, a civic leader, Coach Abshire served as county commissioner in Elkhart County from 1965-1968 and worked for Governor Otis Bowen as director of the Indiana Community Executive Assistance Program. After moving to Indianapolis, he oversaw membership of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce; and
Whereas, after retirement, Coach Abshire and his wife Patty moved to Hilton Head, traveled around the country for two years in a motor home, and then returned to Bloomington, Indiana. It was there that he got the nickname that followed him through the remaining years of his life when Indiana University football coach Cam Cameron got to know the man who often visited practice and regularly attended games and nicknamed Mr. Abshire as "Coach;" and
Whereas, Coach and Mrs. Abshire have given generously to the nursing program at the University of South Carolina-Aiken while also donating the statue of a horse named Spirit that stands in the fountain at the University's main entrance; and
Whereas, Coach Abshire served with many community organizations, including Rotary, Beta chapter of Phi Kappa Psi at Indiana University, the Indiana University Alumni Association (Life Member), Hoosiers for Higher Ed, Toastmasters, the Indianapolis Columbia Club, the Elks Club, the board of Woodburn Guild at Indiana University, and the Aiken Senior Men's Club; and
Whereas, a devout Christian, Coach Abshire was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Aiken. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite; and
Whereas, Coach Abshire frequently attended sessions at the South Carolina General Assembly where he made many friends, by whom he will be dearly missed but never forgotten; and
Whereas, Coach Abshire leaves to cherish his memory his wife of forty-one years Patty White Abshire; two daughters, Jill Mays (Bill) of Syracuse, Indiana, Julie Thompson (Kirby) of Orlando, Florida; a son, Jeffrey Wade Abshire of Goshen, Indiana; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill Abshire of Syracuse, Indiana, and his son and daughter, and an aunt Ardith Smoker Fuller of Juno Beach, Florida. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Coach John Wade Abshire 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 Coach John Wade Abshire.
This web page was last updated on March 15, 2022 at 2:21 PM