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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL L. LAUGHLIN 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 former Aiken Senator Michael L. Laughlin on May 26, 2022; and
Whereas, Senator Laughlin was born to Thomas and Louise Laughlin on March 20, 1944. He graduated from Aiken Preparatory School, the Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia; and
Whereas, he enrolled in the University of South Carolina Law School but later withdrew to run for the South Carolina Senate. In 1968, he was elected at twenty-four years of age, becoming the youngest State Senator in the history of South Carolina; and
Whereas, upon appearing in January of 1969 to be sworn in, Senator Laughlin brought to the attention of Lt. Governor John West that he would not meet the minimum age set by the South Carolina Constitution. Senator Marion Gressette came to his rescue by citing the Constitutional provision that "each House shall judge election returns and qualifications of its members." The body then voted 42-0 to seat Senator Laughlin, and he began his senate career; and
Whereas, Senator Laughlin pursued a number of interests in the aviation, radio broadcasting, real estate development, automobile, utility, maritime, banking, and media productions industries. He was founder and Chairman of Eagle Aviation. He operated timber and equine activities at Mill Race Farm, and he was a skilled horseman and flew both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters; and
Whereas, Senator Laughlin gave generously of his time and leadership roles at the Green Boundary Club, Aiken Preparatory School, and the Hitchcock Woods Foundation; and
Whereas, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Timothy and James, and his beloved partner William E. Howard, III. He leaves to cherish his memory a niece, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 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 Senator Michael L. Laughlin and extend sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Senator Michael Laughlin
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