H 5213

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5213
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
TO recognize and honor the Honorable William Holmes
for his historic election on April 13, 1976, and commend him for twenty years
of distinguished service as mayor of the Town of Allendale, and for a lifetime
of military, professional, and civic achievements which represent a defining
chapter in the town's history and offer a legacy that will continue to inspire
leadership, unity, and public service for generations to come.
Whereas, on April 13,
1976, the Honorable William Holmes became the first Black mayor elected to the
Town of Allendale, South Carolina; and
Whereas, his election
was an historic achievement, as he became the first Black mayor to govern a
county-seat municipality in the Palmetto State and was one of only seven Black
mayors in the State at that time; and
Whereas, Mayor Holmes
faithfully served the residents of the Town of Allendale for twenty years,
providing steady leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to public
service; and
Whereas, prior to his
historic election, he honorably served his country in the United States Air
Force from 1961 to 1969, with assignments in England, France, Thailand, and at
bases across the United States, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and
receiving an honorable discharge; and
Whereas, Mayor Holmes
further distinguished himself through academic achievement, earning a
bachelor's degree in mathematics from Voorhees College to equip himself with
the knowledge and discipline that would help guide his professional and civic
leadership; and
Whereas, he worked as
an engineer with DuPont at the Savannah River Site, contributing to efforts
critical to national defense and scientific advancement; and
Whereas, Mayor Holmes
was instrumental in helping form the Henry Aaron Dixie Youth League in
Allendale County, creating baseball opportunities for Black youth in Allendale,
helping them to gain access to organized sports that foster teamwork,
discipline, and leadership; and
Whereas, during his two
decades in office, he governed the Town of Allendale and remained at the center
of municipal leadership and civic life; and
Whereas, Mayor Holmes'
administration oversaw meaningful growth and development, including the
construction of the new Allendale Municipal Building and continued
modernization of municipal services; and
Whereas, his life
reflects a legacy of service to country, profession, and community, inspiring
future generations to lead with courage and dedication. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the
South Carolina House of Representatives,
by this resolution, recognize and honor the Honorable William Holmes for his
historic election on April 13, 1976, and commend him for twenty years of
distinguished service as mayor of the Town of Allendale, and for a lifetime of
military, professional, and civic achievements which represent a defining
chapter in the town's history and offer a legacy that will continue to inspire
leadership, unity, and public service for generations to come.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable William Holmes.
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This web page was last updated on February 19, 2026 at 11:10 AM