A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Donald Rhett Shuler OF Sumter 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 Donald Rhett Shuler at the age of eighty-two on Friday, March 28, 2025; and

 

Whereas, born in Elloree on February 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Otis Norman Shuler and the late Mildred Lee Felkel Shuler. Following the loss of his father when he was just twelve years old, young Donald assumed responsibility to help his mother in providing for their family and in raising his two younger sisters, the late Dianne Shuler Powers and Mary Hope Fields; and

 

Whereas, after he graduated from Holly Hill High School in 1961, he earned an associate degree in civil engineering and HVAC at Sumter Area Technical College where he would serve as an associate professor of HVAC; and

 

Whereas, in the proud tradition of sons of the Palmetto State, Mr. Shuler served in the Army National Guard. He served as head of the Engineering Department at Shaw Air Force Base and retired from there in 1991; and

 

Whereas, a faithful charter member of Crosspoint Baptist Church, Mr. Shuler served the congregation as a deacon and sang in the choir. He also attended Graham Baptist Church, was a member of Jamil Shriners, and was an anchor in the Billy Brogdon Country Club; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife of fifty years, the late Mary Frances "Susie" Tomlinson Shuler, he reared two fine daughters, Pam Shuler Bell and Paige Shuler Hawkey. His daughters blessed him with the affection of five loving grandchildren: Donald Ryan Bell, Eric Charles Bell, Samuel Harrison Bell, Thomas Rhett Howell, and Mary Hannah Hoover; and

 

Whereas, following his retirement, "Big Don" as he was known by many, enjoyed camping, fishing, hosting annual Thanksgiving barbecues, watching Clemson football and NASCAR, and especially spoiling his grandchildren who meant the world to him, even if it meant doing their science projects; and

 

Whereas, he was well-known for being able to fix, build, or "MacGyver" anything, including his log cabin that he built by hand forty years before his death; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Donald Shuler and for the example of ingenuity and devotion 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 Donald Rhett Shuler of Sumter 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 Donald Rhett Shuler.

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