TO CONGRATULATE DR. PAUL M. "MAC" HORTON, JR., FOR HIS OUTSTANDING FORTY YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TO RECOGNIZE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, born in Walterboro, Dr. Paul M. "Mac" Horton, Jr., earned a bachelor's degree in zoology and a master's degree in entomology from Clemson University and a Ph.D. in entomology from Auburn University; and

Whereas, from 1960 to 1968, Mac served in the US Marine Corps and Reserve and from 1970-2003 served in the SC Army National Guard and retired July 2, 2003, as Major (LTC., Ret'd); and

Whereas, since 1975, Clemson University and the State of South Carolina have reaped the benefits of the dedication, wisdom, and leadership of Dr. Horton, Jr., director of the Sandhill Research and Education Center (REC) and the Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development in Columbia, who will retire after forty years of public service on June 30, 2015; and

Whereas, during the course of his career at Clemson, he has served as a faculty member and entomologist, professor and chair of the Entomology Department, Extension Entomologist, assistant to the deans/directors of the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and the SC Agriculture and Forestry Research System; and

Whereas, during his leadership at the Sandhill REC, he worked to enhance Clemson's interest by introducing the Sandhill Farmers Market, children's program, the Fall Festival, and Sparkleberry Fair, and positioned Sandhill as the host site for Midlands area high school track and cross country meets; and

Whereas, along with his strong record of professional leadership, he has served his community, state and country in several capacities, including service as Commander of American Legion Post 6, Joint Services Detachment for the SC Military Department, membership on the boards of Leadership South Carolina and Leadership Lexington, the Rural Crossroads Initiative, service as president of the SC Entomological Society, and Eagle Scout candidate counselor and advisor; and

Whereas, he is the proud husband of Elaine Horton, father of Alison Horton Hyder and grandfather of Madeline and Matthew Hyder; and

Whereas, Mac enjoys reading, gardening, boating, and working on his 1965 Mustang: and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is grateful for Dr. Horton's leadership and contributions to the State of South Carolina and all of her citizens. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Dr. Paul M. "Mac" Horton, Jr., for his outstanding forty years of public service, recognize him on the occasion of his retirement, and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.