TO HONOR BOBBY BOWERS, DIRECTOR OF MAPPING AND CENSUS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS FIFTY-SIX YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Whereas, since October 15, 1958, the State of South Carolina has enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of Bobby Bowers, Director of Mapping and Census for the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, who on June 30, 2015, will retire after fifty-six years of outstanding public service; and

Whereas, born in Newberry County, Bobby completed his bachelor's degree in mathematics at Newberry College and his graduate work in economics and statistics at the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, during the course of his career, he has served as an insurance representative, an advanced math and physics teacher, an assistant coach, Chief of Demographic Statistics for the Office of Research and Statistics, Director of the Office of Research and Statistics, and Director of Mapping and Census for the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office; and

Whereas, Bobby Bowers believes strongly in personal involvement with his community, and his convictions have led him to serve that community, as well as the broader community of South Carolina, in several capacities. These include service as a member of the Lander University Board of Trustees, Lexington Jaycees, Lexington Lions Club, Lexington School District No. 1 Board of Trustees, South Carolina School Boards Association, Population Association of America, and Southern Regional Demographic Group. A man of faith, Bobby is a Sunday School teacher and certified lay speaker at Lexington United Methodist Church. At home, Bobby is the proud husband of the former Cheryl Folk and the equally proud father of sons Greg, David, Jim, Brian, Brett, and Mark; and

Whereas, Bobby has specialized over the years in census and reapportionment issues for United States congressional districts, the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives, counties, municipalities, school districts, and special purpose districts. He also has served as a private consultant to many cities and counties in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Alabama; and

Whereas, during his service, he was appointed federal technical advisor to various three-judge panels (1992 to 2005). In 2003, he was appointed technical advisor to the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire in their redistricting case and assisted in many other federal redistricting cases; and

Whereas, trailing electrically charged clouds of energy everywhere he goes, this fireball has never met a stranger. His colleagues will miss his friendliness, his good humor, and his vast repertoire of funny stories--in fact, they're holding open auditions for the post of official agency storyteller to replace Bobby once he retires although it is highly unlikely they will find another Bobby. Friends and colleagues will just have to look for him lounging by the ocean at Surfside Beach when they are interested in another outrageous storytelling session with the Master; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and leadership Bobby Bowers has bestowed on the people of South Carolina. Speaking on behalf of his many friends across agencies in state government, the House takes great pleasure in wishing him all the best as he enters retirement, and the members trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Bobby Bowers, Director of Mapping and Census for the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, on the occasion of his retirement, extend deep appreciation for his fifty-six years of distinguished public service to the State of South Carolina, and offer best wishes for a satisfying and rewarding retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bobby Bowers.