‘We have lost a giant.’ SC Sen. Hugh Leatherman remembered by lawmakers, officials
Tributes poured in through phone, email and tweet after the death of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman.
Leatherman died Friday morning. He was 90.
His family said Leatherman died due to a recent non-COVID-19-related illness. He was surrounded by his wife, Jean, children and grandchildren.
Gov. Henry McMaster
“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.”
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
“Sen. Hugh Leatherman served our state for over 50 years and has left a lasting legacy. He was a champion for the prosperity of South Carolina and will be missed as a great statesman.”
Senate President Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee
“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.”
House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Darlington
“My heart is heavy today as I learned of the passing of Senate Leatherman. Hugh was a tireless advocate for this State and the Pee Dee for over 40 years. He was a close friend and a personal mentor. His tremendous legacy will never be forgotten and his leadership will be greatly missed by the General Assembly.”
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield
“I, along with members of the entire Senate Majority Caucus, join the Leatherman family in mourning the passing of our colleague, Sen. Hugh Leatherman. With four decades of service in the South Carolina State Senate, Sen. 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.”
Senate Democratic Caucus
“We were saddened to hear the news this morning that our colleague, State Sen. Hugh Leatherman, has passed. Every member of our caucus feels incredibly privileged to have worked alongside Chairman Leatherman for a period of time in his impressive tenure in the South Carolina Senate. His wisdom and steadfast devotion to public service will be greatly missed.
“Chairman Leatherman was an effective leader, a true statesman and an influential changemaker. He has undoubtedly left a permanent mark on South Carolina — a legacy that will long live on in the many people he inspired, the lives he touched, and the profound work he did over 40 years in office. We are sincerely grateful for all he did to make our state a better place.
We offer our deepest condolences and prayers for Sen. Leatherman’s family and loved ones.”
House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-York
“Mourning the passing of Sen. Hugh Leatherman. A stalwart leader, he left an indelible mark on South Carolina and her people through his steadfast commitment to a better and brighter future for all.”
House Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith, R-Sumter
“A lot was always made about Chairman Leatherman’s love for Florence and how well he took care of his home community. And that’s true. He did take care of Florence. But that is not to gloss over his vision for the state as a whole. Chairman Leatherman always had an eye toward what was best for the state and the big picture. And he focused not just on what would be an immediate benefit for the citizens, but also a South Carolina he knew he would not live to see. He had a vision for the future of this state and he laid the foundation for that future through his tireless work. We have lost a giant, but Hugh Leatherman will live on through the legacy he has left in his family, in the Senate and in the State of South Carolina.”
House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Richland
“South Carolina lost a giant today. Hugh Leatherman was a great man and public servant who left a lasting legacy. His impact will be felt for generations and his work will benefit South Carolinians for many years.”
State Sen. Marlon Kimpson, D-Charleston
“A giant tree has fallen. Each and every year since 2014, Chairman Leatherman helped me deliver money back to Charleston for multiple projects. He was a fixture, an institution and a good man who will be dearly missed. Sending prayers and grace to his family.”
Former state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Kershaw
“He operated on a consensus belief, generally. It’s better to have buy-in by a lot of people than just strict party-line votes. He strongly believed in the Senate as a body. I heard him say dozens of times when I would be worried and frustrated about the direction something was going. He would say, ‘just be patient. Let the Senate work and we will get a good outcome. He was an institutionalist (who) believed in that processes and built up those institutions to help last, like the Senate, like the financial mechanisms of the state. He believed in a balanced budget. He believed in a good credit rating. He believed in public education, he believed in the state agencies. He did his best to make those things last.”
State Sen. John Scott, D-Richland
“Sen. Leatherman (was) a tremendous leader. We came together and discovered we had more in common than I thought we had. He has been a champion to help me with so many things. He’s able to set aside party and really get down to what the real issues are and that’s what I liked about him.”
State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley
“There are only a few people in the history of South Carolina who have had a greater impact on our state than Sen. Hugh Leatherman. His legacy will positively impact many future generations to come. Please remember the Leatherman family in your prayers.”
State Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland
“Although he switched parties, he never switched (from) being Hugh K. Leatherman and I’ve always enjoyed working with him. His priority, his integrity has always remained the same. He’s always cared about the state. He’s always looked out to the best of his ability for those who were less fortunate and he ran the Finance Committee appropriately. He was a businessman extraordinaire and he cared about economic development. But usually when he talked about economic development, he talked about it from the sense in how it could pull up the least of these. Those who were at the bottom, those who don’t always get a hand up.”
Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University
“Hugh Leatherman comes to every single graduation and sits there and watches those kids cross that stage. If Hugh Leatherman can choose a legacy he would probably argue his legacy are those graduates, student by student by student because were if not for his leadership on many of these issues, college wouldn’t have been a possibility for them.”
Drew McKissick, South Carolina Republican Party chairman
“Sen. 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.”
Trav Robertson, South Carolina Democratic Party chairman
“There has been a renaissance in Florence County thanks to Sen. Leatherman’s dedication to his constituents and the Pee Dee. Together with business leaders, Democrats, Republicans and civic leaders, Sen. Leatherman helped reshape downtown Florence and transformed Francis Marion University into a top-notch educational institution. Sen. Leatherman always surrounded himself with smart people who, like himself, had the best interest of our state at heart. He led with a quiet voice and strong will. Our hearts go out to Sen. Leatherman’s friends and family during this time. South Carolina is a better place because of his decades of leadership.”
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
“Sen. Leatherman was a giant in the South Carolina Senate. When it came to the needs of South Carolina — from the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between — he was always at the forefront of breakthrough change. He had a statewide perspective that served South Carolina well. His leadership was indispensable in recruiting Boeing to South Carolina, and he was a great champion of the Port of Charleston.
“Sen. Leatherman loved his hometown and the Pee Dee. He was the most effective voice for his region of the state one could have ever imagined. He was a tireless advocate always focused on building for a stronger and better future. Sen. Leatherman was a leader. He was a great friend and a kind and caring man. His leadership, mentorship and steady hand will be missed.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.
“I’ve always respected Sen. Leatherman’s dedication to the people of South Carolina. His tireless service will never be forgotten. My prayers are with his family in their time of grief.”
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-Columbia
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Sen. Hugh Leatherman. He was a true champion for the people of South Carolina and his service to this state will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Leatherman family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Sen. Hugh Leatherman. Having closely worked with him for many years, I knew him to be a great statesman and a kind, gentle man. He made history as a founding member of the bipartisan Renegades, who successfully promoted limited government and expanded freedom, overturning the status quo. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jean and their six children.”
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill
“I am very saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina State Sen. Hugh Leatherman earlier this morning. Always evident was his love for South Carolina and those who call this state home. Elaine and I send our deepest condolences and ask for prayers for Hugh and his family.”
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Daniel Island
‘So sad to hear the news of the passing of South Carolina Sen. Hugh Leatherman. During his public service, he was a crucial part of South Carolina’s growth and prosperity over the last few decades. RIP and God bless.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, R-Myrtle Beach
“Long before I ran for office, I respected Hugh Leatherman’s impeccable record of delivering results for the 7th District and the entire state of South Carolina. Since coming to Congress, I’ve had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions. Sen. Leatherman didn’t hesitate to work across the aisle to get something done for South Carolinians. I’ve always known him to pursue smart, reasonable solutions and work hard to fix problems.
Sen. Leatherman was the epitome of a public servant and will be dearly missed in the halls of the South Carolina State House.
Our prayers are with the Leatherman family, his colleagues in the South Carolina legislature, and those who knew his friendship, that they may find comfort in remembering an accomplished, honorable man.”
Harris Pastides, interim president of the University of South Carolina
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of South Carolina’s great leaders, Sen. Hugh Leatherman. From the South Carolina ports, to our roads, to the businesses he recruited, and to our universities, few persons have had a greater impact on our state than he has. He was a bold voice, undaunted in advancing the causes he championed, and his leadership will not be forgotten. I will never forget visiting with him in his office, seated closely in the chair to his right, listening to stories of the past and dreaming about the future. The university extends our sympathy to Jean and his loving family. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.”
State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg
“Another giant has transitioned. So saddened by news of the passing of Sen. Leatherman. Although expected, still sad.#RestInPeace #RestInPower”
State Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter
“I am sad to learn of the loss of Chairman Leatherman. This is a loss for our entire state, where his fingerprints will remain indelibly upon decades of progress (particularly economic development) made in South Carolina. It was an honor to serve with him & my prayers are with his family.”
Former S.C. Gov. Jim Hodges
“Sorry to hear of passing of #senatorhughleatherman. Few understood infrastructure and economic development as well the senator, and he also had a keen understanding of financial issues. A tough adversary and a great ally. A truly remarkable career in business and government.”
Former US Rep. Joe Cunningham, gubernatorial candidate
“Today, South Carolina lost a giant. Sen. Leatherman spent his entire adult life fighting for our state and the people of Florence County and we are all better off because of his service. Few people have had a more positive impact on South Carolina than Hugh Leatherman. He was more than just an ambassador for the Palmetto State; he lived the values that everyone in public service should strive to uphold: compromise, bipartisanship and putting people over politics.
My deepest sympathies are with the entire Leatherman family, his Senate colleagues, and the people of Florence County. May his remarkable legacy live on forever.”
State Sen. Mia McLeod, D-Richland, gubernatorial candidate
“Sen. Leatherman was a powerful force in our state and we will miss him dearly. What I loved most about him is that he cared. He listened. He had compassion and empathy for all of the people of this state, Republicans and Democrats alike. True statesmen like him seem to be a rarity in politics today. I can remember conversations we had about the funding needs and challenges of my Senate district. He always listened, engaged and found a way to help.
“During the height of the pandemic when we returned to the Senate chamber for session, before vaccines, he and I sat in the balcony to protect ourselves from COVID-19 exposure on the Senate floor. He would often ask me how I was doing and remind me to take care of myself. We’d talk about the issues and challenges facing our state, as well as the pandemic’s impact on everyday people.
“His willingness to work across party lines to help all South Carolinians is what I will miss most. Prayers for his family, the South Carolina Senate, and our entire state. May he rest in Eternal Peace.”
Former SC Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell, D-Lancaster
“(South Carolina) will miss him in ways we don’t even know yet.”
Bakari Sellers, former state lawmaker and CNN contributor
“A true legend and definition of public servant. May he Rest In Peace.”
Former Columbia Mayor Bob Coble
“Sen. Leatherman had a tremendous impact on South Carolina, particularly in economic development. Our prayers are with the family.”
State Rep. Jay Jordan, R-Florence
“Today we mourn the loss of one of the greatest statesmen to serve South Carolina and our community, Sen. Hugh Leatherman. Please join Tara and me in lifting Ms. Jean and the Leatherman family up in prayer during this time. Chairman Leatherman’s unwavering commitment and more than four decades of service to the people of the Pee Dee has enriched countless lives and left a legacy of accomplishments that will continue to better our state and region for generations to come.”
Dan Ellzey, director of Department of Employment and Workforce
“On behalf of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Sen. Leatherman’s family. Sen. Leatherman was a giant among men and a leader for not only the Pee Dee, but the entire state of South Carolina. The impact of his commitment to making our state a better place will be felt for generations to come.”
Molly Spearman, superintendent of education
“My heart is saddened at the loss of a great leader and friend. His commitment to all the people of South Carolina, especially our children, will be felt for generations. A special thank you and prayer for peace to his family for sharing their husband, father and grandfather with all of us for so many years.”
Bob Morgan, president and CEO of S.C. Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of the South Carolina business community, I am saddened by the news of Sen. Leatherman’s passing but grateful for his many years of service. From bolstering the Port to bringing major companies to our state and the thousands of jobs that came with them, Sen. Leatherman understood what it would take to help our state grow and thrive, and he dedicated his life to making it happen.”
Dr. David Cole, president of the Medical University of South Carolina.
“Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. was an exceptional leader of integrity who will be sorely missed. He always held himself and others accountable for doing what was right and most beneficial for the citizens of South Carolina. His leadership and collaboration with MUSC go back decades, with a series of legislative initiatives that have significantly impacted MUSC’s ability to transform itself and better deliver on its tripartite mission, creating innovative avenues that have led to great impact in our state.
He consistently demonstrated his advocacy for higher education and health care collaboration for the betterment of South Carolina, including leading the charge to support funding for lung cancer research and mobile health units at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, supporting health care workforce and educational initiatives and championing synergistic collaborations across the public/private sectors.”
This story was originally published November 12, 2021 at 8:36 AM with the headline "‘We have lost a giant.’ SC Sen. Hugh Leatherman remembered by lawmakers, officials."
