A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF JESSE ELLISON OUTEN JR. OF CHERAW AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Jesse Ellison Outen Jr. of Cheraw at the venerable age of 101 on February 22, 2025; and

 

Whereas, born in Cheraw on December 16, 1923, Ellison was the son of Jesse Ellison Outen Sr. and Theo Horton Outen. During the course of his career, he served Becker Minerals in quality control, retiring after forty-three years of employment; and

 

Whereas, Ellison Outen strongly believed in active community involvement, and he put his convictions into action by serving his community in various capacities. As a man of faith, Ellison was a proud and faithful lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Cheraw, where he was active in the Methodist Men's Bible Class, the Methodist Men's Club, and the Joy Club. Among the other organizations with which he served are the American Legion, VFW, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Amvets, Disabled American Veterans, Cheraw Masonic Lodge, and BWZ; and

 

Whereas, moreover, Ellison was a World War II veteran. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he became a member of the 45th Division. As an infantryman, he served in the European theatre, where he was a POW for more than fourteen months. After being held captive in four different prison camps, the young soldier was liberated on April 30, 1945, and was the recipient of several medals, including the Bronze Star and South Carolina Prisoner of War Medal, the latter awarded by the State of South Carolina in 2015. Part of the "Greatest Generation," Ellison Outen Jr. always will be remembered for his patriotism, bravery, and the sacrifices he made for his country; and

 

Whereas, Ellison had many hobbies, some of which were camping, hunting, and fishing. After he retired, he developed skill in painting and enjoyed capturing the beauty of the earth on canvas. He also had a knack for cooking and was known for his tasty chicken purloo. This witty man enjoyed being around people and making them laugh, and his compassion endeared him to others; and

 

Whereas, preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Flo Spease Outen, as well as by his parents and three sisters, Ann Marie Thompson, Virginia Miller, and Mary Lee Morrison, he leaves to cherish his memory a son, Jimmy Outen (Jenny) of Cheraw; a daughter, Ginger Caughman (Bill) of Daniel Island; four grandchildren, Mikki MacCheyne, Lauren Outen, Cynthia Vannoy (Brady), and Will Caughman (Erin); six great-grandchildren, Catherine and Julia MacCheyne, Rob and Belle Vannoy, and Mark and Lizzie Caughman; and a host of other family members and friends, including a special cousin, Billy Boan. He will be missed. 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 Jesse Ellison Outen Jr. of Cheraw 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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