Bill Text: SC H4233 | 2013-2014 | 120th General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: James Risher

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 78-46)

Status: (Passed) 2013-05-28 - Introduced and adopted [H4233 Detail]

Download: South_Carolina-2013-H4233-Introduced.html


A HOUSE RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE JAMES RISHER, MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF GIFFORD FOR THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS, TO HONOR HIS DEVOTION TO HIS COMMUNITY AND THE PALMETTO STATE, AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT LEADERSHIP IN PROMOTING THE SIXTH OF JUNE FESTIVAL.

Whereas, it is altogether fitting that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to James Risher for thirty-seven years of exceptional service as mayor in the Town of Gifford; and

Whereas, born November 5, 1932, James Risher married his beloved wife, Mary Ann Gooding, in 1954, and together they reared three sons and one daughter, who have blessed their parents with adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, baptized at an early age at St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, he has served as a class leader, a member of the church steward board, the superintendent for church school, the church treasurer, and the lay president for the Beaufort District; and

Whereas, James Risher became mayor of Gifford four years after it was incorporated in 1972, and under his leadership, the town, built and implemented a water and sewer system, created a fire department, built a fire station, acquired three fire trucks, obtained use of the "Hanna House" and a grant to restore the building, obtained a grant to purchase a truck, tractor, and police cruiser, purchased an emergency generator for water and sewer, and obtained street lights and Christmas lights; and

Whereas, during his administration, Mayor Risher promoted and expanded the Sixth of June festival, or "Junefest", which had its origins in a day-long festival known as "Family Day Picnic" that was established in 1896 by deacons and a pastor of Long Branch Baptist Church to give thanks for a successful agricultural planting season; and

Whereas, Junefest also commemorates the day that many believe was the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation first reached the citizens of Gifford; and

Whereas, because of Mayor Risher's efforts, Junefest has become a week-long event which is a major attraction among the communities of Hampton County and former citizens and friends from across the country and includes a parade, a beauty pageant, gospel programs, a carnival, a softball tournament, and lots of food; and

Whereas, he served his community and State as a councilman for the Town of Gifford for eight years, a board member for Hampton School District Two for twelve years, president of the Hampton County NAACP for ten years, treasurer for the South Carolina Council of Black Mayors for ten years, and a board member for the National Black Mayors for twelve years; and

Whereas, he retired from Savannah River Plant after forty-two years of service and is a member of Free Masons Gifford Lodge #359; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the years of outstanding service that James Risher dedicated to our State and to the Town of Gifford as mayor. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize James Risher, mayor of the Town of Gifford for thirty-seven years, honor his devotion to his community and to the Palmetto State, and express their appreciation for his significant leadership in promoting the Sixth of June Festival.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mayor James Risher.

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