South Carolina H 3901: Harry Gatch, sympathy

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 3901 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 06, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 3901

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 THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE 
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF HARRY GATCH OF 
SUMMERVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of 
the passing of Harry Gatch of Summerville on January 25, 2025, at the venerable 
age of 78; and

Whereas, born on 
November 14, 1946, in Charleston, Harry Gatch was a man of faith, family, and 
country. As Harry and his twin brother, Larry, grew up, the Lowcountry became 
their playground. Marshlands and swamps created a backdrop for adventures only 
a little boy can dream. It was a time of taming alligators, snapping turtles, 
and even a red-tailed hawk. It was a time of building one's own boat, flounder 
gigging with friends near Fort Sumter, and cast netting for shrimp; and

Whereas, Harry's 
father, Melvin Gatch, was a disabled Marine and worked in the Navy Yard in 
Charleston. Harry's mother, Lyvon Gatch, was an inspector in a hand grenade 
factory during World War II. She began her registered-nursing career in 
pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston; she also 
served as head nurse for a pediatric practice, touching the lives of two 
generations; and

Whereas, Harry 
graduated from Stall High School in North Charleston. During his high school 
years, he played football and basketball and ran track. Harry tied the state 
record in the 50-yard dash and received two football scholarships. For two 
years, the young Harry attended Baptist College, where he served as goalie for 
the soccer team, as well as captain for the intramural basketball team; and

Whereas, the U.S. 
military draft was in effect, and all males were required to register. At this 
time in the war, there was no protection from the draft. Harry and his brother 
joined the U.S. Submarine Service. Harry served three and a half years of 
active duty and four years as a Reserve member. After leaving the military, 
Harry worked with the South Carolina Highway Department and became the assistant 
resident engineer. He worked six years with Wilbur Smith & Associates to 
become a civil engineer. He also worked with Sigma Engineers in surveying and 
topography. In 1973, Harry began his thirty-five years with South Carolina 
Electric & Gas. After retirement, he worked with RLA Associates, PA, 
Surveying, a land surveying company; and

Whereas, further, Harry 
was an inventor with three U.S. patents. One of his inventions won Best 
Invention of the Year from the Natural Gas Association. The process was 
included in the Institute of Gas Technology manual, Washington, D.C.; and

Whereas, it was the 
summer of 1975, and Margaret Altman had just graduated from Winthrop College 
and had come to Summerville to teach. Harry and Margaret were destined to meet! 
On a Sunday night at Summerville Baptist Church, Harry stepped forward to meet 
her. Four months later they were married, and December 20, 2024, was their 49th 
anniversary. Harry and Margaret's life was centered in the church where they 
met-a life of deaconship, youth ministry, and music ministry; and

Whereas, Harry leaves 
to cherish his memory his wife, Maggie, and his sons, Gil Gatch and Lance 
Gatch. Gil is married to Heather Lee Gatch, and they have a daughter, Claire 
Boswell Gatch. Lance is married to London Weidberg Gatch, and they have two 
daughters, Tilly Marguerite Gatch and Sofie Lavender Gatch. Harry is also 
survived by his twin brother, Larry Gatch. Harry's legacy will live on in the 
hearts of all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed. 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 Harry Gatch of Summerville 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 February 06, 2025 at 10:58 AM