A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE Billy "Reb" Richardson as he steps down from his position as the Assistant Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of South Carolina, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Billy "Reb" Richardson as he steps down from his position as the Assistant Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of South Carolina; and

Whereas, a native of Henry County, Virigina, Mr. Richardson was born on June 5, 1945 and spent his childhood growing up with his two brothers, Harold, who recently passed away, and Woody; and

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Richardson enlisted on his seventeenth birthday in 1962 and spent the next twenty-two years serving our country. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War; and

Whereas, in 1984, Mr. Richardson retired and started several small businesses in various communities including an auto repair shop and taxi company in Myrtle Beach; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson started riding motorcycles in 1966 and continues to ride today. He started making an annual trip to the Daytona Bike Week in the early 1970s and continues to make the trip today; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Mr. Richardson first joined ABATE of South Carolina in 1995. ABATE of South Carolina is a Motorcycle Rights Organization dedicated to maintaining freedom to ride, driver and rider training, and motorcycle awareness. He is currently the Assistant Legislative Coordinator, and he has always been active in the legislative process even as a member; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson started working on the Red-Light bill in 2006 with then-Senator Levintis. The bill was signed into law by Governor Mark Sanford in 2008. It allows motorcycles to be able to turn left after two minutes at a red light; and

Whereas, Mr. Richardson raised one daughter, Ceci Hunter, and now has three grandkids, six great-grandkids, and four step great-grandkids; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Billy "Reb" Richardson has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Billy "Reb" Richardson as he steps down from his position as the Assistant Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of South Carolina, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Billy "Reb" Richardson.

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