H 5514

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5514
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS PROFOUND the SORROW of the members of the
South Carolina house of representatives UPON THE PASSING OF PEARL FRYAR OF LEE
COUNTY, TO HONOR HIS REMARKABLE TALENT, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS
LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South
Carolina House of Representatives was saddened to learn of the death of storied
topiary artist, Pearl Fryar, at the age of eighty-six on Sunday, April 5, 2026;
and
Whereas, born in 1939
to sharecroppers in Clinton, North Carolina, he attended North Carolina Central
University in the 1960s where he was an active participant in the Civil Rights
Movement. He served with distinction in the United States Army and completed a
tour of service in Korea before settling down in New York City; and
Whereas, after moving
back South to South Carolina, Mr. Fryar started his six-acre topiary farm at the
age of forty, with no formal horticultural background and while working full time
in the manufacturing industry; and
Whereas, Mr. Fryar was
known for his intricate topiary designs at his three-acre gardens and was also
a beloved member of the Bishopville community. His garden brought thousands of
people every year, which had a positive economic impact for many of the
businesses and families in Bishopville; and
Whereas, the gardens
gained national acclaim for this trailblazer, having been featured in
newspapers and magazines and on television. Sculptures featured names that told
stories, such as "love" and "hate hurts." He was the subject of the 2006
documentary, A Man Named Pearl. He had become known for his ability to
create something amazing out of nothing; and
Whereas, the Pearl
Fryar Garden became a popular spot for special occasions, weddings, and for
others, a place to become engaged; and
Whereas, devoted to his
community, along with his beloved wife, Metra, Mr. Fryar worked continually to
improve the lives of children and young adults. He initiated many ventures to
improve the quality of life for younger people and was vitally active in the
political life of the community; and
Whereas, the members of
the House of Representatives are grateful for the legacy of Pearl Fryar and for
the example of service and beauty he created for all who knew him to enjoy. 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 Pearl
Fryar of Lee County, honor his remarkable talent, and extend deepest sympathy
to his loving family and his many friends.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pearl Fryar.
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This web page was last updated on April 14, 2026 at 01:02 PM