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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DR. BENNIE JAMES DOVER OF GREENWOOD COUNTY AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Bennie James Dover at the age of ninety-nine on Sunday, January 2, 2022; and
Whereas, the only child of sharecroppers Hayden Dover Davis and Hezekiah Dawkins, he was born in Union County on November 6, 1922, and learned early in life the value of hard work; and
Whereas, in his Christian home, Dr. Dover developed a deep faith in Jesus Christ and attended Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jonesville. From a young age, he loved reading which formed his character; and
Whereas, in his early years, his uncles had taught him to hunt, fish, and engage in athletics. At Granard High School in Gaffney, he graduated as valedictorian and was captain of the football team; and
Whereas, Dr. Dover earned a football scholarship to attend Allen University where he majored in physics, chemistry, and biology. In addition to playing football proudly as a 60-minute man, he pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., acted in plays on campus, deepened his love of poetry, and learned to play tennis; and
Whereas, he earned a master's degree in 1949 from South Carolina State College and a doctorate in education from the University of Maryland in College Park in 1970; and
Whereas, Dr. Dover began a career in education in 1948, teaching biology at Brewer High School in Greenwood. He served as the principal of East End Elementary School and as the last principal at Brewer High School. His last position was as assistant superintendent of schools for Greenwood School District 50; and
Whereas, he became a real estate investor and a referee for high school football and basketball games and an umpire for baseball games. He was a taxidermist and an avid golfer; and
Whereas, chairman of the Deacon Board at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Dr. Davis faithfully attended Sunday school, sang beautiful solos in the choir, and often presented keynote addresses; and
Whereas, the first educator to earn a doctorate in Greenwood School District 50, he overcame many racial barriers: the first Black person to serve as board chairman of the Greenwood Salvation Army, as chairman of the Greenwood Planning Board, as a board member of the Burton Center, and as a member of Greenwood Lions Club; and
Whereas, a 33rd degree member of Prince Hall Masonry and a Shriner, Dr. Dover was Past Master of Progressive Lodge #403 in Greenwood; Past Potentate Cairo Shrine Temple #125 in Columbia; Past Commander in Chief of CC Johnson Consistory #136 in Columbia; Past Chairman of Grand Lodge Education Committee; Grand Inspector General of South Carolina Council of Deliberation; and Past Imperial Deputy of the Desert of South Carolina, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc., PHA of North and South America; and
Whereas, while a student at Allen, Dr. Dover met his beloved wife, Alice Marie Mazyck, and they were married on September 1, 1949. Together they reared two fine daughters, Sanquinetta Maria Dover of Smyrna, Georgia, and Benita Alicia Dover Brailsford of Fayetteville, Georgia. He was blessed with the affection of two granddaughters, Dr. Ariel B. Banks and Zoe Brailsford; and
Whereas, in his retirement, Dr. Dover and his late wife visited many countries on six continents, and they were blessed to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of Bennie Dover and for the example of excellence he set for all who knew him. 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 Dr. Bennie James Dover of Greenwood County and extend deepest sympathy to his loving family and friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Bennie James Dover.
This web page was last updated on January 20, 2022 at 11:29 AM