Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF SAMUEL FORD THRIFT OF SENECA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Samuel Ford Thrift of Seneca on February 13, 2021, at the venerable age of ninety; and
Whereas, born in Long Creek to Julius and Maude Thrift, Sam Thrift came into this world on November 12, 1930, and graduated from Long Creek Academy. At a young age, Sam and his brothers learned the skills necessary for logging alongside their father. The young Sam, with his twin brother, Tom, was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in Japan from 1951 to 1953. After returning to the States, Sam married his sweetheart, Joellen, in 1954; and
Whereas, once they were home, Sam and Tom joined their brothers in launching successful businesses in lumber, pulpwood, hardware, road construction, and residential and commercial building and development. Sam and Tom were owners and co-founders of their family business, Thrift Brothers, Inc.; and
Whereas, while the makeup of the family business partnerships evolved over the years, Sam and Tom continued working together as general contractors, building tracts of shopping centers, residential homes, commercial industry, and miles of roads and interstates. Sam had a unique talent for building and developing commercial real estate and helping recruit many businesses to the Upstate of South Carolina and North Carolina; and
Whereas, this man of faith was a dedicated member of Seneca Baptist Church for over sixty years. An active member of the Baracca Sunday School Class, he also served as a deacon and worked tirelessly on the Finance, Nominating, Personnel, Pulpit, and Building committees. He led the latter in completing the church's present beautiful facilities and sanctuary; and
Whereas, Sam Thrift strongly believed in active community involvement, and he put his convictions into action by serving his community in various capacities. He was a member of the American Legion and Lion's Club and dedicated his life to much humanitarian work with numerous agencies, including the South Carolina Baptist Foundation, Connie Maxwell Children's Home, Collins Children's Home, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Oconee Hospital Foundation, Tri-County Technical College Foundation, Inc., and Anderson University; and
Whereas, in addition, he served on the Anderson University Board of Trustees and Board of Regents and was made a lifetime member of the trustees in 2012. Sam and Tom worked diligently to help complete many projects for Anderson University, one of the largest being the Thrift Library (2007). Further, Thrift Brothers, Inc., was named Tri-County Technical College Foundation Philanthropist of the Year in 2017, and Samuel and his wife Joellen were inducted in 2008 to the Calhoun Society of Clemson University for their lifetime contributions. Sam, a lifetime member of Clemson's IPTAY, enjoyed watching the Tigers play football; and
Whereas, Sam and Joellen had a special love for animals and were supporters of the Humane Society, both locally and nationally; and
Whereas, Sam Thrift leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Joellen Queen Thrift; his twin "niece" daughters, Marcia Thrift Hydrick and Sherry Thrift Bradshaw; his "grands"; and a host of other family members 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 passing of Samuel Ford Thrift of Seneca and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Joellen Thrift for the family.
This web page was last updated on February 23, 2021 at 1:22 PM