Officials Laud Anderson Legend at Richard A. Shirley Memorial Parkway Event

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson gathered on a steamy July Saturday morning to honor the late Richard Shirley today in a ceremony renaming the East-West Parkway as a tribute to his years of service to the community.

The signs for the new Richard A. Shirley Memorial Parkway were unveiled as family and local officials remembered the man who served as Anderson Mayor, city councilman and County Clerk of Court.

Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns, who was a good friend of Shirley's, said the effort to honor the man was the result of work by S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell, S.C. Rep. Don Chapman, journalist Paul Brown, county council and others.

“They worked really hard on this project to make it a reality,” said Burns.

Burns said Shirley’s accomplishments on city council, as mayor and as county clerk were substantial.

“And he knew more about Anderson than just about anybody he ever wanted to talk to about it,” Burns said. “He not only knew everybody, but who their daddy and grandaddy was.”

“He was a loyal friend, and I loved him to death,” said Burns. “He cared about people; he cared about his employees and there is no telling how many people he called friend. I am just happy to be one of them.”

“I think that if Richard were here today, he would be overwhelmed with thankfulness that his community thought enough of him to make this possible,” said long-time friend Carol Burdette of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. In my book, this is a deserving honor.”

“Richard was someone that, in my mind, never sought out recognition,” Burdette said. “He loved Anderson as much as any one person could ever love a community, and I think the only thing that would make him happier is if there were a bronze of him sitting on a bench in downtown.”

Full event in video.