TO CONGRATULATE LAWRENCE "BILLY" DANIEL ON THE OCCASION OF HIS NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are delighted to learn that Lawrence "Billy" Daniel will celebrate his ninetieth birthday on Monday, April 8, 2019; and
Whereas, a native of Johnston, South Carolina, Lawrence "Billy" Daniel was born on April 8, 1929 to Lawrence and Ola Hill Daniel. He was one of four boys raised during the Great Depression on his family's farm. He attended South Carolina State College, where he majored in agriculture; and
Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Daniel served during the Korean War and at duty stations in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Paris, France; and
Whereas, in his early years, Mr. Daniel battled the pressures of the segregated South as he sought to find work. During his career, he worked for Monsanto Corporation and Owens Corning Fiberglass. He also opened the second location of his father's business, Daniel and Sons Funeral Home, which he and his wife grew to serve the citizens of Belton and the surrounding communities; and
Whereas, a respected member of his community, Mr. Daniel and his wife consistently volunteered for community service projects and sponsored summer programs for children during his working years. He also served as Treasurer of the South Carolina Morticians Association; and
Whereas, a devout Christian, Mr. Daniel has been an active member of New Prospect Baptist Church for over fifty years and has served as deacon; and
Whereas, he was married to his high school sweetheart, Josephine Lewis, until her death, and together, they had four children, Audrey, Rosalind, Maurice, and Dianna. He is the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and
Whereas, even at ninety years old, Mr. Daniel is an avid landscaper and armchair political pundit. He enjoys traveling with his family and tending his garden, and he is an active member and participant in the Daniel Jay family reunion; and
Whereas, the Senate is proud to honor this son of South Carolina at the celebration of his ninetieth birthday, and the members join with his family and friends in congratulating him for reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Lawrence "Billy" Daniel on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday and wish him a joyous birthday celebration and much happiness in the days ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lawrence "Billy" Daniel.