H 5536

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5536
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A bill
TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION
53-3-340 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE fourth DAY OF APRIL OF EACH YEAR AS "PEARL
FRYAR DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO HONOR HIS BODY OF WORK AND THE CREATIVE
IMPACT THAT HE HAS HAD BOTH ON THE ARTS AND SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the son of a
sharecropper, Pearl Fryar was born in 1939 in Clinton, North Carolina. His
loving, deeply spiritual parents instilled in him a powerful work ethic, moral
responsibility, and the importance of kindness to all. A creative childhood
encompassed barefoot summers, handmade toys and sports equipment, farm and pet
animals, woodworking, and the experience of nature up close and personal. Like
his brother and sister, Pearl helped out on the farm "from about the time I
could stand up." Contrary to the life-sustaining rural Southern custom of
hunting for food, Pearl could not bear the killing of animals. He loved the
woods and open spaces. "It was a good life," he was known to say; and
Whereas, attending
North Carolina Central University in the 1960s, Pearl was active in civil
rights demonstrations in Durham, NC. He did an army tour of service in Korea.
He married his childhood sweetheart Metra, and they lived in New York City.
Pearl credits his years in the "can do" environment of the Big Apple as
defining moments for his multifaceted life path. He says without hesitation, "I
would never have made my garden had it not been for living in New York"; and
Whereas, Pearl worked
for American Can Company/Rexam for thirty-six years, including during the
manufacturing transition from steel to aluminum. While working full time and
having moved to Bishopville, SC, he started his topiary garden. He had no
formal horticultural background. His childhood penchant for trimming the
homestead shrubs in interesting patterns had been frowned upon - then forty
years later, he began unfettered pruning of trees and shrubs on his home
property. "I'm just a man who cuts up bushes," Pearl said. The extraordinary
transformation began with hundreds of plants, many excavated from nursery
compost piles; and
Whereas, Pearl became
known for his extraordinary three-acre handiwork. He was photographed and
journaled for newspapers and magazines, appeared on television, and spoke far
and wide at gardens, galleries, and festivals. The acclaimed documentary, A
Man Named Pearl, charts his creative journey. He made a John Deere tractor
commercial and attracted visitors by the thousands; and
Whereas, Pearl's son
Patrick has since his own boyhood, adopted the family trend of thrift and
recycling, and he says, "Daddy is all over this garden." One does indeed sense
the artist's touch and presence throughout. Mentor and loving life partner for
more than half a century, Pearl's wife Metra has witnessed his impassioned
garden creation with admiration and deep understanding. As First Lady of the
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, she gives him all the credit; and
Whereas, Pearl's garden
is intentionally apolitical, and spiritually nonsectarian. His message of
"Love, Peace, and Goodwill" is a world citizenry gift and appeal. Offering a
special feeling of sanctuary and oasis, the garden's living plant invocation is
universal, transcending all differences among people and ideologies. Pearl has
always wanted his garden to remain free to all, retaining a self-contained,
intimate presence amid a quiet semirural residential neighborhood; and
Whereas, in support of
their post-high school education, Pearl has created a scholarship fund for
"average" students in South Carolina; and
Whereas, from the
humble wellspring of ancestral African American roots, Pearl bears the torch of
hard work, passion for life calling, and humility. Regardless of fame, he never
compromised his strong values of simple living and exalted thinking.  Never
tempted to be "bought or sold," living modestly in simple abundance, Pearl
considered himself richly blessed.  He viewed his life as service to family,
Spirit, and community.  His garden is an enthusiastic offering to all; and
Whereas, Pearl Fryar
made historical impact on the art industry and was nationally recognized for
his work that transcended around the world. Mr. Fryar peacefully passed away on
April 4, 2026. Although he may no longer be with us, his legacy is something
that lives on forever and will continue to be maintained for years to come. Now,
therefore,
Be it enacted by the
General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 3, Title 53 of the S.C. Code is amended by
adding:
    Section
53-3-340.  The fourth day of April of each year is designated as "Pearl Fryar
Day" in South Carolina to honor his body of work and the creative impact that
he has had both on the arts and South Carolina.
SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval
by the Governor.
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This web page was last updated on April 15, 2026 at 11:48 AM