A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Willie JENNINGS OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Willie Jennings at the age of ninety-two on Tuesday, September 27, 2022; and

Whereas, born in Orangeburg County on January 22, 1930, Willie Jennings was the son of the late William Jennings and Nettie Wannamaker Jennings, and he was reared in a loving home with three siblings: Nelson Jennings, Nettie Jennings Johnson, and the late John Jennings; and

Whereas, at an early age, he joined Jones Chapel Baptist Church where he was an active and faithful member singing in the gospel choir and serving on the usher board and as a trustee from the age of seventeen. He provided dedicated service as a trustee for seventy years and fifty as board chair; and

Whereas, reared on a farm, Mr. Jennings became a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He left a leadership role with Hygrade Meat Packing Company and co-founded the Huffman-Jennings Esso franchise. In March of 1974, Mr. Jennings traveled to the nation's capital with his business partner, Carl Huffman, to advocate for South Carolina service station dealers. After their successful trip influencing the Federal Energy Office, both were featured in The Times and Democrat; and

Whereas, as a sole proprietor, Mr. Jennings was the commercial banking customer face in a local print advertisement. In 2004, he created Jennings Mini Mall, and in 2015, he launched JennCo Properties of South Carolina, LLC. In 2016, he was featured in The Times and Democrat for rendering fifty years of service as an Orangeburg businessman; and

Whereas, known to all as a singer, an avid fisherman, and a barbeque grill master, he was a member of St. James No. 8., George Argo Royal Arch No. 2, Knights Templar-All Seeing Eye, King Solomon Consistory 33 and Omar Temple No. 119, each affiliated with Williams Grand Lodge. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and the Supreme Council of the United States. Dedicated to serving his community, he was a member of the Orangeburg NAACP, the Old Timers Club, and the Mount Olive Association Corporation Board; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife of sixty years, the late Georgia Ann Shuler Jennings, he reared three fine children: Steven Williams, Sr.; Barry K. Jennings; and Vida A. Jennings. His children blessed him with the affection of three loving grandchildren: Steven Williams, Jr.; Phillip Williams; and Alexis Cooper. He was blessed to see the continuation of his loving family legacy in ten great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of Willie Jennings, a faithful servant of God, and for the example of hard work 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 Willie Jennings of Orangeburg County and extend their deepest sympathy to his loving family and his many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willie Jennings.

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