A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Willard Henry "Buz" Leavitt Jr. OF Richland COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Willard Henry "Buz" Leavitt Jr. at the age of seventy-seven on November 13, 2024; and

 

Whereas, born in Troy, New York, on January 7, 1947, he was the son of Willard Henry Leavitt Sr. and Mildred Swatling Leavitt. Raised in a loving family with siblings Scott and Susan, he lived in nearby Burnt Hills, until his junior year in high school when they moved to Westport, Connecticut. He graduated from Staples High School; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Leavitt played football at Wake Forest University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1970. He starred on the football field and was once named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Offensive Player of the Week; and

 

Whereas, he and his beloved wife, Anne, were married in 1969, and after his graduation, they settled in Charlotte in 1972, where he had a successful thirty-two-year career with Procter & Gamble, holding roles as sales manager and special events director; and

 

Whereas, for decades, Mr. Leavitt enjoyed coaching youth sports that included St. Anne Catholic School football, Old Providence recreational leagues, Park Sharon, Charlotte Catholic High School, and Holy Trinity Middle School, to name a few. His coaching brought out the best in each player, and his influence went beyond the playing fields with parents and players alike; and

 

Whereas, later in life, he looked as if he could still run for a first down. His friends knew him for his strong handshake and hearty pat on the back. Every day was a celebration to him, whether he was in the mountains of North Carolina, at Litchfield Beach, or sitting on cold aluminum bleachers at one of many athletic events; and

 

Whereas, together with his wife of fifty-five years, he reared three fine children: Chris of Greenville, Charley of Charlotte, and Courtney of Blythewood. His children blessed them with the affection of eight loving grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa Buz: Riley, Zoe, Lila, Ian, Banks, Ella Chase, Eliza, and Olivia; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Buz Leavitt and for the example of kindness, warmth, and joy 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 Willard Henry "Buz" Leavitt Jr. of Richland County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willard Henry "Buz" Leavitt Jr.

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