TO CONGRATULATE R. LATHAM "LATH" HARRIS, SUMTER COUNTY ASSESSOR, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that R. Latham "Lath" Harris, Sumter County assessor, retired on November 29, 2013, from a distinguished career spanning forty-one years, the past thirty-eight as assessor; and

Whereas, born in 1950 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Lath Harris earned his bachelor's degree in economics at North Carolina State University in 1972. In 1998, he completed his master's degree in public administration at Troy State University; and

Whereas, commencing his long career in 1972, he became a commercial and residential appraiser for the Richland County Board of Assessment Control, a position in which he served until 1975; and

Whereas, during that same year, Mr. Harris embarked on new duties when he became Sumter County assessor, adding to his responsibilities in 1997 when he served as interim director of the Sumter County Department of Engineering; and

Whereas, over the years, Lath Harris has proven himself a respected leader in his profession, serving as a member of the IAAO Executive Board (2003-2005), Appraisal Foundation Board of Trustees (2005-2012), and South Carolina Association of Assessing Officials Board of Directors (1990-1999, 2004-2005), among other leadership positions; and

Whereas, in addition, his professional designations are numerous and include IAAO CAE (Certified Assessment Evaluator), Appraisal Institute SRA, IAAO Senior Instructor for various appraisal courses, USPAP Instructor for the Appraisal Foundation, South Carolina Certified Instructor, and South Carolina Appraisal Board Licensed Appraiser; and

Whereas, at home, Lath Harris and his wife, the former Donna Pruitt, are the proud parents of four grown daughters, Heather, Cara Megan, Mary Beth, and Naomi; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Lath Harris has bestowed on this great State, takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he enters retirement and trusts he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate R. Latham "Lath" Harris, Sumter County assessor, upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Lath Harris.