[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 126 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11123-S11124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              FRANCIS HIPP: SOUTH CAROLINA'S CIVIC LEADER

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to remember a true 
friend and South Carolina patriot--Francis M. Hipp. Last week at age 
84, my friend 

[[Page S11124]]
and colleague passed away in Greenville.
  Francis Hipp, a native of Newberry, and his brothers took over 
Liberty Life Insurance Co. from their father in 1943. Over the next 
three decades, he pushed the company, now named Liberty Corp., to 
spectacular business heights as it blossomed into a major insurer and 
broadcaster.
  But the innovative and intelligent way that Francis ran his company 
is not what I most remember him for. That memory is reserved for the 
kind, caring way that he volunteered to help his State.
  Francis Hipp was a civic leader extraordinare. He played a key role 
in moving South Carolina from a agricultural and textile State into a 
diversified national and international business powerhouse. In 1959 
when I became Governor, I appointed Francis to head the newly 
reorganized State Development Board. Under his leadership, Francis 
jump-started economic growth in the Palmetto State.
  Francis Hipp is the reason for today's prosperity in South Carolina. 
What we needed in the early 1960's was a successful businessman who 
could talk to successful businessmen. Francis traveled tirelessly 
telling the South Carolina story. He brought investment. He brought 
industry. He brought the jobs.
  Mr. President, without the devotion, hard work and caring of Francis 
Hipp, South Carolina would not have today's successful business 
environment. It is with a profound sense of loss that we mourn his 
passing. With Francis' death, South Carolina has lost its greatest 
civic leader.


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