South Carolina S 185: Dr. Lonnie Randolph, Jr., sympathy

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 185 Text of Previous Version (Jan. 14, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 185

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS the PROFOUND SORROW of the south carolina 
general assembly UPON THE PASSING OF DR. LONNIE RANDOLPH JR. OF COLUMBIA AND TO 
EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the 
passing of Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr. of Columbia on October 19, 2024, at the 
venerable age of 74; and

Whereas, born on June 
3, 1950, this Columbia native graduated from Dreher High School before earning 
a degree in biology from Benedict College and his Doctor of Optometry from the 
Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee; and

Whereas, a local civil 
rights leader, Dr. Randolph served as president of Columbia's NAACP chapter for 
two decades and, in the same official capacity, served the South Carolina 
Conference of the NAACP for more than a decade; and

Whereas, further, he 
was heavily involved in organizing the first King Day at the Dome march at the 
South Carolina State House in 2000, which was organized to honor Martin Luther 
King Jr. and to protest the Confederate flag that then flew over the state Capitol; 
and

Whereas, in addition to 
his civil rights work, Dr. Randolph had a private optometric practice in 
Columbia for over forty years. The practice served individuals in the South 
Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice system, along with traditional clients. 
He also founded a free eye care clinic for schoolchildren and served on several 
state boards and commissions; and

Whereas, in recognition 
of his dedicated labors, Dr. Randolph received the Order of the Palmetto, South 
Carolina's highest civilian honor, in 2011; and

Whereas, L. Oveta 
Glover, currently president of the Columbia NAACP, had these words of praise 
for Dr. Randolph: "His dedication to justice, equality, and service to our 
community has left a lasting mark for all of us to remember. Dr. Randolph's 
work and passion for civil rights will continue to inspire us in the days 
ahead"; and

Whereas, he leaves to 
cherish his memory his dear wife, Patricia Randolph. He will be greatly missed 
by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of 
Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General 
Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of 
Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr. of Columbia and extend the 
deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution 
be presented to the family.

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This web page was last updated on January 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM