Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-08

TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM JAMES "W.J." FRIERSON, SR.

EnvironmentEducationInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-01-08, Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC-6) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM JAMES "W.J." FRIERSON, SR." in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered education, infrastructure.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM JAMES "W.J." FRIERSON, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E13] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM JAMES ``W.J.'' FRIERSON, SR. ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a devoted public servant, respected minister, and trusted community leader whose faithful service to Clarendon County and the people of South Carolina spanned more than three decades. Reverend William James ``W.J.'' Frierson, Sr. transitioned on December 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. Born on July 8, 1953, in Manning, South Carolina, W.J. Frierson was raised in a family grounded in faith, hard work, and community responsibility. As a young man, he accepted Christ and became an active member of Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he answered his call to the ministry and began a long journey of service within the church and beyond. Over the years, he faithfully served in numerous roles, including choir member, sexton, trustee, ordained deacon, and ordained associate minister, building a foundation of spiritual leadership that would guide every aspect of his life. Most recently, W.J. Frierson pastored Lovely Hill Baptist Church in Holly Hill for 18 years, shepherding his congregation with compassion and wisdom. Reverend Frierson was equally committed to education and self- improvement. A 1971 graduate of Manning High School, he pursued higher education at Texas College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Biology. He continued his Christian education through the Sumter Baptist M&E Association and Morris College, preparing himself to serve not only as a pastor, but as a thoughtful and compassionate leader equipped to guide others. In 1995, W.J. Frierson began what would become a historic tenure on Clarendon County Council and represented Council District Two for thirty years. During his service, he was known for his steady leadership, thoughtful deliberation, and deep concern for the well- being of all residents. He approached public office not as a position of power, but as an extension of his ministry--listening carefully, advocating tirelessly, and always seeking to do what was right rather than what was easy. His colleagues and constituents respected him for his integrity, humility, and willingness to work through differences for the good of the county. Beyond elected office, Reverend Frierson was deeply engaged in civic and community organizations. He was affiliated with Prince Hall Masons as a member of Red Hill Lodge No. 144, the Manning Branch of the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and numerous educational and faith- based boards and councils. Professionally, he dedicated more than three decades as Human Resources Manager at Century Aluminum, retiring in 2013. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the memory of Reverend William James ``W.J.'' Frierson, Sr.--a servant of God, a servant of the people, and a pillar of his community. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a mentor to countless individuals who will carry his lessons forward. ``W.J.'' was a man whose life reflected his faith, whose leadership strengthened his community, and whose legacy will endure. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM JAMES "W.J." FRIERSON, SR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E13] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM JAMES ``W.J.'' FRIERSON, SR. ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a devoted public servant, respected minister, and trusted community leader whose faithful service to Clarendon County and the people of South Carolina spanned more than three decades. Reverend William James ``W.J.'' Frierson, Sr. transitioned on December 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. Born on July 8, 1953, in Manning, South Carolina, W.J. Frierson was raised in a family grounded in faith, hard work, and community responsibility. As a young man, he accepted Christ and became an active member of Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he answered his call to the ministry and began a long journey of service within the church and beyond. Over the years, he faithfully served in numerous roles, including choir member, sexton, trustee, ordained deacon, and ordained associate minister, building a foundation of spiritual leadership that would guide every aspect of his life. Most recently, W.J. Frierson pastored Lovely Hill Baptist Church in Holly Hill for 18 years, shepherding his congregation with compassion and wisdom. Reverend Frierson was equally committed to education and self- improvement. A 1971 graduate of Manning High School, he pursued higher education at Texas College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Biology. He continued his Christian education through the Sumter Baptist M&E Association and Morris College, preparing himself to serve not only as a pastor, but as a thoughtful and compassionate leader equipped to guide others. In 1995, W.J. Frierson began what would become a historic tenure on Clarendon County Council and represented Council District Two for thirty years. During his service, he was known for his steady leadership, thoughtful deliberation, and deep concern for the well- being of all residents. He approached public office not as a position of power, but as an extension of his ministry--listening carefully, advocating tirelessly, and always seeking to do what was right rather than what was easy. His colleagues and constituents respected him for his integrity, humility, and willingness to work through differences for the good of the county. Beyond elected office, Reverend Frierson was deeply engaged in civic and community organizations. He was affiliated with Prince Hall Masons as a member of Red Hill Lodge No. 144, the Manning Branch of the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and numerous educational and faith- based boards and councils. Professionally, he dedicated more than three decades as Human Resources Manager at Century Aluminum, retiring in 2013. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the memory of Reverend William James ``W.J.'' Frierson, Sr.--a servant of God, a servant of the people, and a pillar of his community. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a mentor to countless individuals who will carry his lessons forward. ``W.J.'' was a man whose life reflected his faith, whose leadership strengthened his community, and whose legacy will endure. ____________________