Arthur Ravenel Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Ravenel Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 1st district |
|
| In office January 3, 1987 – January 3, 1995 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas F. Hartnett |
| Succeeded by | Mark Sanford |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate | |
| In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Greg Smith |
| Succeeded by | Raymond E. Cleary III |
| Constituency | 34th district |
| In office January 13, 1981 – January 3, 1987 |
|
| Preceded by | Allen Ruffin Carter Arnold Samuel Goodstein Thomas Forbes Hartnett |
| Succeeded by | Sherry Shealy Martschink |
| Constituency | 16th district (1981–1985) 44th district (1985–1987) |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Charleston County | |
| In office January 13, 1953 – January 13, 1959 |
|
| Preceded by | Multi-member district |
| Succeeded by | Multi-member district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 29, 1927 Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 2023 (aged 95) Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Resting place |
|
| Political party | Democratic (until 1960s) Republican (after 1960s) |
Arthur Ravenel Jr. (March 29, 1927 – January 16, 2023) was an American businessman and politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. From 1987 to 1995, he served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served in the South Carolina state legislature.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Arthur Ravenel Jr. was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 29, 1927. His parents were Arthur Ravenel Sr. and Mary Allen Boykin.
During the end of World War II, Ravenel joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Marines from 1945 to 1946. After his military service, he attended the College of Charleston. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950. Later, he became a realtor (someone who sells houses) and a general contractor (someone who manages building projects).
Political Career Highlights
Starting in State Politics
Ravenel began his political journey at age 25. He was first elected as a Democrat. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1953 to 1959.
In 1960, Ravenel changed his political party. He became a Republican. He ran for office many times over the years. He tried to get elected to the South Carolina Senate three times, in 1962, 1974, and 1976. He also ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1971 and for mayor of Charleston in the same year.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
Ravenel was elected to the South Carolina Senate as a Republican in 1980. He served there until 1986. That year, he was elected to the U.S. Congress. He represented the 1st District, which includes Charleston.
During his eight years in Congress, he focused on helping people in his district. He was reelected three more times without much difficulty.
Later Political Roles
In 1994, Ravenel decided not to run for Congress again. Instead, he ran for governor. He came in second in the Republican primary election. He lost the runoff election to David Beasley.
In 1996, Ravenel was elected back to his old seat in the state Senate. He served there until 2005. In 2006, at age 79, he was elected to the school board for Charleston County. This was a comeback, as he had faced health issues the year before. His son, Thomas Ravenel, was also elected state treasurer in the same election. However, his son resigned from that office after a few months due to various issues.
Personal Life and Passing
Arthur Ravenel Jr. passed away in Charleston on January 16, 2023. He was 95 years old. He was laid to rest at the cemetery of Huguenot Church in Charleston.
