South Carolina H 5589: Gloria Taggart 92nd birthday

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5589 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 28, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5589

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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