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TO HONOR STEPHEN T. "STEVE" DRAFFIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS FIFTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO RECOGNIZE A CAREER WELL SPENT.
Whereas, since January 1, 1972, the State of South Carolina has enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of Stephen T. "Steve" Draffin of the South Carolina Legislative Council, who retired on March 1, 2022, after fifty years of outstanding public service; and
Whereas, born in Columbia to Shirley T. Engle and Dr. F. Marion Draffin, Steve earned his Bachelor of Science at The Citadel in 1968 and his Juris Doctor, as well as his Master of Business Administration, in 1971 at the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, during the course of his long career with the South Carolina Legislative Council, he has served variously as staff attorney, deputy director, code commissioner and director (1998-2012), and, most recently, of counsel; and
Whereas, over the course of his career, through his expert legal drafting, he impacted the lives of all South Carolinians for the better. Steve's mind is his computer and it is more advanced than any current technology. Over the years he was involved in practically every significant matter before the General Assembly in some way, shape, or form, including the massive restructuring of state government and Santee Cooper; and
Whereas, Steve mentored countless young attorneys and colleagues, and even when he was the director of the agency, he never asked anyone to do a task he wouldn't do himself. He led by example in the truest sense and all those he mentored over five decades are enriched as a result; and
Whereas, Steve Draffin's contributions to the State are perhaps unmatched but he also believed in serving in other ways. These include service to his church, Columbia's Eastminster Presbyterian, of which he has been a faithful member for seventy years, since childhood. Steve has served Eastminster as a deacon and an elder, and he remains an active member to this day. As a young man, he served his community as a coach for Little League baseball, church basketball, and girls' tennis. Further, this patriotic American rendered service to his country as a captain in the United States Army Reserve; and
Whereas, Steve is the loving husband of the former Elizabeth Long Farmer and the devoted father of son Stephen, Jr., and daughters Kathleen and Jenny. Steve and Liz are the adoring grandparents of eight wonderful grandchildren: Walker, Ellie, Nelson, Elizabeth, Ford, John, Tucker, and Wesley; and
Whereas, the General Assembly is grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and leadership Steve Draffin has bestowed on the people of South Carolina. Speaking on behalf of his many friends across agencies in state government, both the House and Senate take great pleasure in wishing him all the best as he enters retirement, and the members trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, honor Stephen T. "Steve" Draffin of the South Carolina Legislative Council on the occasion of his retirement, extend deep appreciation for his fifty years of distinguished public service to the State of South Carolina, and recognize a career well spent.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Stephen T. Draffin.
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