[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 100 (Friday, June 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF COL. PETE SERCER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2018

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week South 
Carolinians were grateful to provide tribute to Col. Pete Sercer who 
was properly recognized as an American Patriot devoted to inspiring 
young people for military service at Irmo High School. The following 
thoughtful obituary is provided by Dunbar Funeral Home:

       Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr., Columbia.--Memorial Service 
     for Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr., (USAF, Retired), will be 
     conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at St. 
     Mary's Episcopal Church with burial in the church's adjoining 
     Memorial Garden. The Rev. Jill Biemdiek will officiate. A 
     reception will follow in the church's Parish Hall. Peter 
     Edward ``Eddie'' Sercer, Sr., 81, peacefully passed away on 
     June 3, 2018, surrounded by love. He is survived by his 
     loving wife, Lesley W. Sercer; sons, Peter E. Sercer, Jr. and 
     Paul L. Sercer. He is also survived by his sister, Frances 
     Smoak, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pete was 
     predeceased by his parents, Peter E. Sercer and Marie Blaze 
     Sercer, as well as his siblings, Helen Ross, John Sercer, 
     Richard Sercer, Teresa Sercer, Jesse Shirah, and Caroline 
     Croft. Born on October 19, 1936, in Columbia, South Carolina, 
     Pete graduated from Columbia High School. He earned a 
     Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of South 
     Carolina, immediately joining the United States Air Force. 
     After serving over 26 years in the Air Force, Pete became the 
     Director of the Irmo High School Air Force JROTC program for 
     22 years. In addition to his education at the University of 
     South Carolina, Pete earned a Master of Business 
     Administration and Doctor of Education. Community service was 
     an integral part of Pete's life. He served as a Commissioner 
     of Midlands Technical College for over 26 years and was named 
     Commissioner emeritus. He was active in the Association of 
     Community College Trustees in many capacities, culminating in 
     his serving as National Chairman of the organization in 2010-
     2011. Pete was a founding member of St. Mary's Episcopal 
     Church and served on the vestry, building committee, and 
     rector search committee many times. Active in the St. Andrews 
     Rotary Club, Pete served as Club President and Assistant 
     District Governor and was a Rotary Benefactor, 10-Star 
     Rotarian, and multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was a strong 
     supporter of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, 
     volunteering as a Gamecock Ambassador and Press Box Assistant 
     during football games for many years. During his military 
     career, Pete was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star 
     Medal, and other decorations. In 2006, he was awarded the 
     Order of the Palmetto in recognition of extraordinary 
     achievements and service to the State and Nation. He was 
     instrumental in the creation of the Irmo High School 
     ``Celebrate Freedom Gardens and Courtyard,'' dedicated in his 
     honor. Pete Sercer was a good man, a kind man. He never spoke 
     ill of anyone. He was a happy man, an optimistic man, and 
     always had a smile on his face. Pete will be greatly missed, 
     but the memories of the tremendous joy he brought to our 
     lives will always make us smile. The family would like to 
     thank the caring and compassionate staff of Palmetto Health 
     Parkridge and McLeod Home Care. To honor Pete's life, 
     memorials may be made to the Midlands Technical College 
     Foundation or St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

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