South Carolina H 5514: Honorable John W. Matthews, Jr.

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5514 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 14, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5514

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND the SORROW of the members of the 
South Carolina house of representatives UPON THE PASSING OF PEARL FRYAR OF LEE 
COUNTY, TO HONOR HIS REMARKABLE TALENT, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS 
LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS. 

Whereas, the South 
Carolina House of Representatives was saddened to learn of the death of storied 
topiary artist, Pearl Fryar, at the age of eighty-six on Sunday, April 5, 2026; 
and

Whereas, born in 1939 
to sharecroppers in Clinton, North Carolina, he attended North Carolina Central 
University in the 1960s where he was an active participant in the Civil Rights 
Movement. He served with distinction in the United States Army and completed a 
tour of service in Korea before settling down in New York City; and

Whereas, after moving 
back South to South Carolina, Mr. Fryar started his six-acre topiary farm at the 
age of forty, with no formal horticultural background and while working full time 
in the manufacturing industry; and

Whereas, Mr. Fryar was 
known for his intricate topiary designs at his three-acre gardens and was also 
a beloved member of the Bishopville community. His garden brought thousands of 
people every year, which had a positive economic impact for many of the 
businesses and families in Bishopville; and

Whereas, the gardens 
gained national acclaim for this trailblazer, having been featured in 
newspapers and magazines and on television. Sculptures featured names that told 
stories, such as "love" and "hate hurts." He was the subject of the 2006 
documentary, A Man Named Pearl. He had become known for his ability to 
create something amazing out of nothing; and

Whereas, the Pearl 
Fryar Garden became a popular spot for special occasions, weddings, and for 
others, a place to become engaged; and

Whereas, devoted to his 
community, along with his beloved wife, Metra, Mr. Fryar worked continually to 
improve the lives of children and young adults. He initiated many ventures to 
improve the quality of life for younger people and was vitally active in the 
political life of the community; and

Whereas, the members of 
the House of Representatives are grateful for the legacy of Pearl Fryar and for 
the example of service and beauty he created for all who knew him to enjoy. Now, 
therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Pearl 
Fryar of Lee County, honor his remarkable talent, and extend deepest sympathy 
to his loving family and his many friends.

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

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This web page was last updated on April 14, 2026 at 01:02 PM