Bill Text: SC H5571 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Taft Henry
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 29-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-09-15 - Introduced and adopted [H5571 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2019-H5571-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF TAFT HENRY OF WINNSBORO AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Taft Henry of Winnsboro on June 26, 2020, at the venerable age of ninety-two; and
Whereas, born on March 31, 1928, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Taft Henry lived a life best exemplified by I Corinthians 15:54-58, which urges, "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." He loved God, he loved his family, he loved his country and his community, and he served them all fully; and
Whereas, as a man of faith, Taft was a lifelong member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (Middlesix Community), where he was a class leader, trustee emeritus, Sunday school teacher, and president of the Lay Organization. He received many awards and recognitions from pastors of the church; and
Whereas, in the community, he served as vice chairman of the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Board, chairman of the Fairfield County Election Commission, member of the Fairfield County Department of Social Services Board, and Cubmaster (Boy Scouts of America) for Calvary Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He was also a past volunteer at McCrorey-Liston Elementary School. For his outstanding volunteer work at McCrorey-Liston Elementary, the South Carolina School Boards Association presented him with its "Friend of Education" award; and
Whereas, heeding the call of his country, Taft entered the military in 1946 and served with the U.S. Army until 1968. Having received his basic training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, he served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his career, he was stationed in California (Camp Stoneman); Virginia (Ft. Belvoir); Korea (combat); Karlsruhe, Germany; and Vietnam (combat). He was especially proud to be a Buffalo Soldier (Block House) of the 24th Infantry Regiment. He was one of the last few remaining living Buffalo Soldiers (Block House) in the nation; and
Whereas, he took advantage of every opportunity to advance himself in the military by completing basic and advanced military leadership courses. His awards include the Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Medal, Korean Medal, and Letter of Appreciation from the South Korean Army chief for his sacrificial service in defense of South Korea. Upon retirement from the Army after twenty-two years of faithful service, he served as a coordinator for Carolina Community Actions in Chester, South Carolina, for thirteen years; and
Whereas, Taft was proud to have attended Benedict College in Columbia. In addition, he was a member of the United Lodge #401 Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons for more than sixty-eight years and also of the Progressive Chapter #253 Order of the Eastern Star. Further, he was a life member of the 24th Infantry Regimental Team Associates, Inc. ("Block House Soldiers"); and
Whereas, predeceased by an infant daughter, Evelyn Dolores Henry, he leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Evelyn Ulmer Henry; two children, Mevelyn (William F.) Gaither of Irmo and Jannette (Charles W.) Davenport of Batesburg; five grandchildren, Guillaume M. Gaither, Tevelyn F. Gaither, Teresa D. Conelly, Charlene D. High, and Charles Davenport, Jr.; four great-grandchildren, Jaleah Bethea, Brice D. High, Chalea' V. High, and Mia C. Conelly; a sister, Florence H. Harrison; 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 Taft Henry of Winnsboro 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. Evelyn U. Henry for the family.
