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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF GARY MCJUNKIN OF NORTH CHARLESTON 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 Gary McJunkin of North Charleston on March 28, 2021, at the age of eighty-nine; and
Whereas, born in Greenville on October 12, 1931, Gary McJunkin was the son of Ruth T. and James E. McJunkin; and
Whereas, having served two years in the Army, including a year in Korea (1951-1952), he returned home to North Charleston and became involved with the programs of the Cooper River Parks and Playground Commission. He was appointed director of the commission in 1967 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994; and
Whereas, during this time, he was involved in many community and state activities in recreation and public service. Affectionately known as "Mr. Mac," he served as an officer of the South Carolina Recreation and Park Society for twenty-five years, commissioner of Palmetto Boys Baseball, South Carolina state director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, member of the Dixie Youth Baseball National Board of Directors, and commissioner of Dixie Youth Baseball; and
Whereas, Mr. McJunkin, in recognition of his outstanding service, was selected as a life member of the Dixie Youth Baseball National Board of Directors in 2013 and was inducted into the Dixie Youth Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016; and
Whereas, a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award, Mr. McJunkin was elected a member of the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame and received a Charleston Sports Council Lifetime Achievement Award. He also was inducted into the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, in addition to loving his family and serving his community through recreation programs, Gary McJunkin loved God and loved serving people by sharing the love of Jesus Christ. The son of a Baptist minister and a man of deep faith, he served for twenty-seven years as a pastor and interim pastor in several churches in the Charleston area; and
Whereas, in looking back over the years, Mr. McJunkin reflected that whether working as a recreation director or pastor, one is basically in the same role, working with, and affecting the lives of, people. He felt that we all have been given gifts by God and have the responsibility to use those gifts to reach out to other people and show them the love of God; and
Whereas, predeceased in 2004 by his wife of thirty-seven years, Dot McJunkin, Gary McJunkin leaves to cherish his memory three children, Steve Kennedy, Cindy Kennedy, and Danny McJunkin (Angela); four grandchildren, Michael Smith (Lori), Amy Smith, Stephanie Spencer (Justin), and Daniel McJunkin; two great-grandchildren, McKinlee Smith and Aubree Spencer; a sister, Bebe Cauthen (Sidney); a sister-in-law, Faye Hiers; two special friends who were part of his family and considered as sons, Gene Booth (Hazel) and Keith Summey (Debbie); 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 Gary McJunkin of North Charleston and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Steve Kennedy for the family.
This web page was last updated on April 6, 2021 at 6:09 PM