A house RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor the late Senator John L. Scott, Jr., for his significant and broad contributions to the State of South Carolina.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were honored to serve alongside the late Senator John Scott for nearly two decades when he served District 77 of Richland County; and

Whereas, a native of Richland County, he was born on October 21, 1953, the son of John L. Scott, Sr., and Gracie W. Scott; and

Whereas, Senator Scott earned a bachelor's degree from South Carolina State University in 1975, and in his mid thirties, he was first elected to serve in the South Carolina House of Representatives, starting in 1990 and serving until 2008; and

Whereas, upon his election in 2008, he began serving in the South Carolina Senate in 2009 and was elected nine times to represent Senate District 19 of Richland County, serving until his death in August 2023. Most recently, he was a member of the Judiciary Committee, Medical Affairs Committee, and Corrections and Penology Committee; and

Whereas, the owner and broker in charge of J. L. Scott Realty Company, Inc., and the president of C&S Consulting Group, he was known among his colleagues in the South Carolina House of Representatives and later in the Senate as having expertise and credibility on financial matters; and

Whereas, Senator Scott's tireless work ethic and his willingness to bridge divides dovetailed with his unyielding commitment to the principles of justice and equality. A superb supporter of women and women's issues, he was the running mate of Marguerite Willis in 2018 when they sought the Democratic Party's nomination for governor and lieutenant governor; and

Whereas, his deep faith permeated his life and was evident as a faithful member of New Ebenezer Baptist Church. He served the congregation as church clerk from 1980 to 1995, on the board of trustees from 1980 to 2005, and as a deacon from 2005 until his death in 2023; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, the former Joan Crouch, he reared one child, John L. Scott III; and

Whereas, his devoted service to his State, to his God, and to his fellow man permeated his character and made him a man to be emulated. He left a large and sterling legacy for other citizens to follow. 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 late Senator John L. Scott, Jr., for his significant and broad contributions to the State of South Carolina.

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