A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE THOMAS J. LOWERY OF SUMTER AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Thomas J. Lowery of Sumter on November 2, 2022, at the venerable age of seventy-six; and

Whereas, affectionately known as "Bubba," this Sumter native was born on February 21, 1946; and

Whereas, Mr. Lowery served on Sumter City Council and represented Ward 1 in the City of Sumter for more than two decades. Prior to his passing, having decided not to run for a sixth time, he was completing his present term, which would have ended in November 2022; and

Whereas, in an article published in The Sumter Item on August 6, 2022, reflecting on Mr. Lowery's two decade tenure at the city, councilmembers, city staff, and longtime friends shared their memories of the Ward 1 councilman. These memories revealed that he was known as a man of silence, wisdom, and respect for his peers. He also was known as a friendly face in the community, who always kept his door open; and

Whereas, Mr. Lowery's wisdom and respect for others led to his holding the title of mayor pro tem of Sumter City Council until his death. He had been elected to the position by his fellow councilmembers every year since 2014; and

Whereas, Sumter Mayor David Merchant expressed the city's appreciation for Mr. Lowery's commitment to his hometown, calling the councilman's passing "a big loss for our city"; and

Whereas, the people of South Carolina were made better by Thomas Lowery's influence and will greatly miss his impactful presence. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Thomas J. Lowery of Sumter and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

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

----XX----