A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS the PROFOUND SORROW of the south carolina general assembly UPON THE PASSING OF DR. LONNIE RANDOLPH JR. OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr. of Columbia on October 19, 2024, at the venerable age of 74; and

 

Whereas, born on June 3, 1950, this Columbia native graduated from Dreher High School before earning a degree in biology from Benedict College and his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee; and

 

Whereas, a local civil rights leader, Dr. Randolph served as president of Columbia's NAACP chapter for two decades and, in the same official capacity, served the South Carolina Conference of the NAACP for more than a decade; and

 

Whereas, further, he was heavily involved in organizing the first King Day at the Dome march at the South Carolina State House in 2000, which was organized to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and to protest the Confederate flag that then flew over the state Capitol; and

 

Whereas, in addition to his civil rights work, Dr. Randolph had a private optometric practice in Columbia for over forty years. The practice served individuals in the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice system, along with traditional clients. He also founded a free eye care clinic for schoolchildren and served on several state boards and commissions; and

 

Whereas, in recognition of his dedicated labors, Dr. Randolph received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, in 2011; and

 

Whereas, L. Oveta Glover, currently president of the Columbia NAACP, had these words of praise for Dr. Randolph: "His dedication to justice, equality, and service to our community has left a lasting mark for all of us to remember. Dr. Randolph's work and passion for civil rights will continue to inspire us in the days ahead"; and

 

Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife, Patricia Randolph. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr. of Columbia 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.

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