2017-2018 Bill 296 Text of Previous Version (Jan. 24, 2017) - South Carolina Legislature Online

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A SENATE RESOLUTION 10 11 TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE DEATH OF 12 TONY STEPHENS AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST 13 SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS. 14 15 Whereas, Walterboro native and Walterboro High School football 16 and track standout Tony Stephens passed away on Monday, July 4, 17 2016, at the age of 51; and 18 19 Whereas, under the leadership of coach Gyles Hall, Stephens 20 flourished on the football field, earning All-State honors and a spot 21 on the 1982 Shrine Bowl roster. He was inducted to the Colleton 22 County Hall of Fame in 2002; and 23 24 Whereas, Stephens is a Clemson Tiger defensive legend and 25 played a critical defensive role in the Tiger’s backtoback ACC 26 Championships in 1986 and 1987; and 27 28 Whereas, after being moved to the middle of the defensive line, he 29 recorded 61 tackles in 1987, including nine tackles for loss and 30 was key to Clemson’s second in the nation rushing defense and 31 fifth in the nation total defense; and 32 33 Whereas, along with being Clemson’s most improved player in 34 1986 and 1987, he earned AllACC honors in 1987 and was drafted 35 in the third round of the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints; and 36 37 Whereas, beyond his athletic achievements, friends and former 38 teammates will remember Stephens’ leadership and strong work 39 ethic both on the field and in the classroom; and 40 41 Whereas, after earning a bachelors degree in Parks, Recreation, 42 and Tourism Management from Clemson, Tony moved back to

[296] 1 1 Walterboro and began serving his community as a Environmental 2 Health Manager for the South Carolina Department of Health and 3 Environmental Control; and 4 5 Whereas, Tony was a member of Sandhill Baptist Church of 6 Walterboro, where he dedicated his life to Christ. Tony continued 7 to fellowship with God and his church family at the PruittHealth 8 Center, where he resided due to his declining health; and 9 10 Whereas, he was united in holy matrimony to Cherly Stephens and 11 they were blessed with three loving children. Tony centered his 12 life around his family, sports, fishing, and the people whom he 13 loved dearly. He will be deeply missed. Now, therefore, 14 15 Be it resolved by the Senate: 16 17 That, by this resolution, profound sorrow be expressed upon the 18 death of Tony Stephens and the deepest sympathy be extended to 19 his family and many friends. 20 21 Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to 22 Cherly Stephens. 23 XX 24

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