John W. Drummond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John W. Drummond
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Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 10th district |
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In office 1966–2008 |
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Personal details | |
Born | Greenwood, South Carolina |
September 29, 1919
Died | September 3, 2016 Ninety Six, South Carolina |
(aged 96)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Holly Self (m. 1947, d. 1999) |
Profession | President, Drummond Oil |
John Willie Drummond was an important American politician. He was born on September 29, 1919, and passed away on September 3, 2016. Mr. Drummond was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the South Carolina Senate for a very long time, from 1966 to 2008. Before that, he was also in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1965 to 1966.
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John Drummond: Early Life and Military Service
John Drummond was one of seven children. He was born in Greenwood, South Carolina. Later, his family moved to a town called Ninety Six, also in South Carolina.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, John Drummond was a brave pilot. He held the rank of captain. He flew a P-47D Thunderbolt airplane. His plane had a special name, "Raid Hot Mama." In 1944, his plane was shot down near Giéville, France.
Mr. Drummond received many awards for his service. These included the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also earned two Purple Hearts. These are given to soldiers wounded in battle. He received nine Air Medals and three Battle Stars too.
Life After the War
After the war, John Drummond returned home. He went back to Ninety Six, South Carolina. There, he married Holly Self in 1947. They had three children together. Their children were John H. "Brick," and twins Richard S. "Dick" and Robert S. "Bob."
Before starting his own business, he sold doughnuts. Later, he founded Drummond Oil. This company distributed oil products.
John Drummond's Political Career
John Drummond began his political journey in 1965. He was elected as a Democrat. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. In 1966, he was elected to the South Carolina Senate. He represented Senate District 10. This district included Abbeville, Greenwood, and Laurens counties. He served in the Senate until he retired in 2008.
Important Roles in the Senate
During his time in the Senate, Mr. Drummond held many important roles. He was the chairman of several committees. These included the Ethics Committee and the Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. He also chaired the Game and Forestry Committee. Later, he led the Finance Committee.
From 1996 to 2001, he was the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. This means he was a very high-ranking leader. He helped lead efforts to remove the Confederate Flag from the State House grounds. This was an important moment in South Carolina's history.
John Drummond passed away on September 3, 2016. He is remembered for his long service.