TO HONOR WILLIAM HAMMOND "BILL" BURKHALTER, JR., AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN-HOUSE COUNSEL, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS MORE THAN FORTY-ONE YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS AN ADVOCATE FOR EDUCATION, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Whereas, since 1977, the State of South Carolina has enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of William Hammond "Bill" Burkhalter, Jr., Aiken County Public School District in-house counsel, who soon will retire after forty-one years of outstanding public service; and

Whereas, in preparation for his career, after graduation from North Augusta High School, Bill earned his bachelor's degree in economics at Furman University. In 1971, he graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate degree. Following law school, Bill served in the Signal Corps Branch School at Fort Gordon. He continued to serve in the United States Army Reserves for a number of years; and

Whereas, the Haynesworth Law Firm in Greenville was Bill's first position as an associate, primarily in the area of insurance company defense work. In 1972, he accepted an offer to return to North Augusta as a partner with Zier, Burkhalter, Garvin, Fox, and Nuessle. He later worked as a sole practitioner; and

Whereas, this lifelong resident of North Augusta began representing the Aiken County Public School District in 1977 on retainer, and in 1997 he became full-time in-house counsel. Thus, it is that 2018 marks Bill's more than forty-one years of service as an advocate for education. Further, he has served as chairman for the School Board Council of Attorneys and is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association and the Aiken County Bar Association; and

Whereas, because he feels strongly about active participation in his community, Bill serves his fellow citizens through membership in several organizations. He has always been active at First Baptist Church of North Augusta, where he serves as a deacon and sings with the Worship Choir and a men's vocal group, Closer Walk. He also has served on many church committees and taught Sunday School. In addition, he is a past member of the Sertoma and Lions clubs and currently is a member of American Legion Post 71. He has served on the Nancy Carson Library Board and is a foundation director for the Paul Knox Scholarship Fund, as well as a trustee for the Arts and Heritage Center Endowment. Many who have been the recipients of his generosity and counsel know he enjoys helping others; and

Whereas, Bill finds his strongest support in his family: his lovely wife, the former Angela Brown, and the couple's two children, Dr. William Hammond Burkhalter III and Beth Ann Burkhalter Young; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and leadership Bill Burkhalter has bestowed on the people of South Carolina. The members take great pleasure in wishing him all the best as he enters retirement and trust 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 South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor William Hammond "Bill" Burkhalter, Jr., Aiken County Public School District in-house counsel, on the occasion of his retirement, extend deep appreciation for his more than forty-one years of distinguished service as an advocate for education, and offer best wishes for a satisfying and rewarding retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bill Burkhalter.