H 5589

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5589
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
To remember and celebrate the life of William Rhett
Perry Jr., to honor his remarkable commitment to his community and country, and
to extend the deepest sympathy to his large and loving family.
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the
passing of William Rhett Perry Jr. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the age of
eighty-three; and
Whereas, a native of
Camden, Mr. Perry was born on June 26, 1942. He was the eldest child of the late
William R. Perry Sr. and Mozelle Kelly Perry; and
Whereas, he attended Kershaw
High School and following his graduation in 1960, Mr. Perry entered The Citadel
as a proud member of the Class of 1964 (T Company). His military education at
The Citadel was interrupted in late 1963, when he volunteered to serve in the
United States Army. He finished basic training at Fort Jackson and the Officer's
Candidate School, Engineer Branch at Fort Belvoir, earning the rank of Second
Lieutenant. He graduated from Command School at Fort Dix and received jungle
and special warfare training at several posts; and
Whereas, Mr. Perry was deployed
to Vietnam in 1967. He was a platoon leader and later a company commander in
the Infantry, positioned in the Mekong Delta. He was a decorated veteran of the
Tet Offensive in 1968, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. First Lieutenant
Perry received various honors such as the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, the Army
Commendation, the Gallantry Cross, and the prestigious Soldier's Medal, but what
meant the most to him was the Combat Infantryman Badge, which he often wore
proudly, along with his Citadel ring. In 2023, he contributed a personal
narrative through an oral history interview about his service in the Vietnam
War for a collection with the United States Library of Congress; and
Whereas, in 1969, First
Lieutenant Perry returned to The Citadel to finish his studies as a veteran
student. Upon graduating, he enjoyed a career as an investment advisor with E.
F. Hutton in Columbia and Wall Street, Prudential Bache in Atlanta and Hilton
Head, and Legg Mason in Mt. Pleasant. He was a savvy fiduciary for his many
clients and a beloved mentor to many young brokers; and
Whereas, upon retirement, First
Lieutenant Perry married Lee Davis Todman in 2005 in Edisto, where he spent many
summers growing up. They enjoyed more than 20 years together, living at Lake
Murray enjoying fishing and boating, until eventually settling in Beaufort.
They enjoyed gathering family and friends for celebrations and fun; and
Whereas, First
Lieutenant Perry was a gifted artist, musician, and athlete. He was a proud member
of the "Thirsty Thursday" golf group and enjoyed playing many rounds all over
the Southeast and beyond. He loved spending his days watching the University of
South Carolina Gamecocks football from his recliner while looking out at the
Lowcountry marsh while sipping a large glass of sweet tea. His favorite pastime
was spending time with his sons and grandsons while hunting and fishing. He was
known by all for his wit, sense of humor, and imaginative storytelling. He was
adored by his family and loved by many friends, classmates, and professional
associates across South Carolina; and
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and
legacy of William R. Perry Jr. and for the example of sacrifice and kindness he
set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the
South Carolina House of Representatives,
by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life William Rhett Perry Jr.,
honor his remarkable commitment to his community and country, and extend the deepest
sympathy to his large and loving family.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William R. Perry Jr.
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This web page was last updated on April 28, 2026 at 12:40 PM