TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) THOMAS LEE SINCLAIR OF UNION AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Major General (Ret.) Thomas Lee Sinclair of Union on February 17, 2021, at the age of seventy-three; and

Whereas, born in Union on September 22, 1947, Thomas Lee Sinclair was a son of the late John Albert Sinclair and Gladys Lee Sinclair. Having graduated in 1965 from Union High School, he earned his bachelor's degree from Clemson University, his master's degree in education, and his education specialist degree from Winthrop University. Mr. Sinclair also received a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College; and

Whereas, an active-duty veteran of the U.S. Army, he retired at the rank of brigadier general from the S.C. Army National Guard after thirty-eight years of service. Throughout his military career, he was awarded many commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. In addition, he was awarded the South Carolina Palmetto Cross for actions during Operation Hugo. Mr. Sinclair was honored to have spent half his career in command roles, including commander of the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry, and the 228th Signal Brigade; and

Whereas, he retired after twenty-seven years of service with Union County Schools, having begun his career as a teacher at Union High School and having moved on to serve as principal of Sims Junior High and as assistant superintendent of Union County Schools. He also had retired as Union County supervisor; and

Whereas, because he believed strongly in active participation in the community, Mr. Sinclair was involved in a number of organizations and activities. As a man of faith, Mr. Sinclair was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was a Shriner and a member of the Union Masonic Lodge #75. Further, he had served as president of the Union Civitan Club, was current chairman of the Union Community Foundation, and served as commander of American Legion Post #22. He spearheaded the campaign to establish the Miracle League of Union County and served as an active board member; and

Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Kathryn Bowers Sinclair; two daughters, Libby S. Sailors (Shane) and Kelly S. Dunlap (Lee); a son, Tommy G. Sinclair (Katherine); ten grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be greatly 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 Major General (Ret.) Thomas Lee Sinclair of Union and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Kathryn Bowers Sinclair for the family.