TO RECOGNIZE, HONOR, AND REMEMBER ROBERT SPENCE "SKIPPER" PERRY, JR. OF AIKEN FOR HIS LIFELONG SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO BOTH THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the late Robert Spence "Skipper" Perry, Jr. of Aiken devoted himself to the public good and to those unable to help themselves in both elected office and his daily life; and
Whereas, Mr. Perry was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1999 and served the citizens of District 81 for ten years. In the House of Representatives, Mr. Perry was a member of the Rules Committee; the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee; the Subcommittee on Insurance; and the Subcommittee on Public Utilities; and
Whereas, as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives, he was visible as an advocate for sidewalk access for handicapped citizens and even used his Segway scooter with permission inside the State House; and
Whereas, Mr. Perry received many honors throughout his life, including Sertoman of the Year, the Order of the Palmetto, and "2017 Man of the Year" from the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce; and
Whereas, in addition to his service in the S.C. House of Representatives, Mr. Perry served his community in Aiken County as president and member of the Aiken Sertoma Club, president and chairman of the United Way of Aiken County, founding member and chairman of the Tri Development Center, founding member of the Historic Aiken Foundation, president of the Aiken Symphony Guild, vice president of the Aiken Center for the Arts, Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Aiken, member of the Aiken City Council, president of the Mended Hearts of Aiken, chairman of the Adult Development Center, Chairman of the Heart Walk, president of the Pinecrest Elementary PTA, chairman of the Palmetto Amateur Golf Tournament, president of the Aiken Jaycees, member of the American Legion Post 26, and many positions within the Aiken County and South Carolina Republican Party leadership; and
Whereas, Mr. Perry was also the announcer for the Aiken Polo Club for many years, and his distinctive voice will be well remembered in his hometown; and
Whereas, Mr. Perry was the son of the late Robert Spence Perry, Sr. and May Seigler Perry of Aiken. Upon his sudden passing, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Anne Straus; son, Stanley, and his wife Meg; son, Richard, and his wife Kristin; and four grandchildren; and
Whereas, the historic wooden bridges on York Street in Aiken have been named in Mr. Perry's honor. The newly erected wood and steel structures will serve the traveling public for many years to come as a fitting and proper tribute to the accomplishments and public service of this son of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution recognize, honor, and remember Robert Spence "Skipper" Perry, Jr. of Aiken for his lifelong service and commitment to both the people and the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert Spence "Skipper" Perry, Jr.