[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 200 (Wednesday, November 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8341-S8342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING HUGH K. LEATHERMAN, SR.

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, along with my fellow Senator from South 
Carolina, Mr. Scott, I rise today to honor the life of South Carolina 
State Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr., who passed away, surrounded by 
his loving family, on November 12, 2021, at the age of 90.
  Senator Leatherman was born on April 14, 1931, in Lincoln County, NC. 
He was raised on a farm and attended North Carolina State University, 
earning a degree in civil engineering in 1953. In 1955, he moved to 
South Carolina to start a concrete company, before starting his 
political career. His expansive political career began in 1967 after 
being elected to serve on the Quinby Town Council. During his term on 
the town council, he served as mayor pro tempore for the town of Quinby 
from 1971 to 1976. In 1980, Senator Leatherman ran for South Carolina 
State Senate and served the people of District 31, which includes 
Darlington and Florence Counties. On June 18, 2014, Senator Leatherman 
was elected president pro tempore. He also served as the chairman of 
the powerful senate finance committee, as well as a member of the 
ethics, interstate cooperation, rules, transportation and the labor, 
commerce and industry committees.
  As a State senator, a position he held for more than 40 years, 
Senator Leatherman's dedication to the State could not be questioned. 
When it came to the needs of South Carolina, he was always at the 
forefront of getting things done. His statewide perspective led him to 
championing the Port of Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, as well as 
recruiting companies like Boeing, Honda, and Volvo to come to the State 
he loved so intensely. He will be remembered as having one of the most 
effective voices for his region and the State and was always looking 
towards what the State of South Carolina could become.
  Senator Leatherman's devotion to his State and his constituency 
should be a model from which all public servants look to follow. We 
grieve his loss

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but celebrate the accomplishments of this great, honorable man. Mr. 
President, we ask that you and our colleagues join us in applauding 
Senator Leatherman's many contributions made to the State of South 
Carolina. A true champion of South Carolina, Senator Leatherman will be 
sorely missed.

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