One of South Carolina's most prominent political figures has died. State Senator Hugh Leatherman passed early Friday morning at the age of 90. He served in the South Carolina State Senate four decades. Many in the political community expressed their condolences on Friday morning.
State Senate President Harvey Peeler said of Leatherman's passing " The people of the Pee Dee have lost a tireless advocate. The State of South Carolina has lost a legendary Senate leader. His family has lost a loving husband, father and grandfather. I have lost a friend and colleague spanning four decades beginning when we both were first elected to the Senate in 1980. Hugh Leatherman’s impact on the State of South Carolina cannot be overstated.No one worked harder or longer hours than the Senator from Florence. His detailed knowledge of the state budget was unmatched. His imprint on the State of South Carolina is firmly fixed, not only in history, but the future as well".
State Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said " I, along with members of the entire Senate Majority Caucus, join the Leatherman family in mourning the passing of our colleague, Senator Hugh Leatherman. With four decades of service in the South Carolina State Senate, Senator Leatherman - better known to many as Mr. Chairman - will have a long legacy marked in every corner of the state and mirrored through the Senate chambers for decades to come. His warm smile, commitment to community, never-stop work ethic, and resolute focus will forever be remembered. We share our love, thoughts, and prayers with his dear wife Jean, children, family, friends, constituents, staff and colleagues. Godspeed, Mr. Chairman.
SC GOP Chair Drew Mckissick said " "Senator Leatherman dedicated almost half of his life to serving the people of Florence County and South Carolina. His commitment to the Port and so many other initiatives propelled our state forward. We're grateful for his decades of service, and our prayers are with Mrs. Jean and the rest of the Leatherman family."
Governor Henry McMaster today issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Hugh Leatherman:
"A powerful force for the progress and prosperity of our people has left us. For over fifty years, Hugh Leatherman poured his life into our state and we are the better for it. He loved his work and kept his word. He never quit. We will miss him. May God bless him and his family."
The governor will order that flags be lowered in honor of Senator Leatherman’s service to the state of South Carolina, once funeral arrangements are made and announced.
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