Ross, former state GOP chairman, dead

Former S.C. Republican Party Chairman Dan Ross of Blackville passed away on Tuesday after suffering a stroke, according to a news release from the S.C. Republican Party.

Ross, according to the release, served as chairman from 1976 to 1980 and was instrumental in ushering in a competitive two-party political system in South Carolina after years of Democratic Party dominance. 

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Dan Ross, but we are extremely grateful for his years of service," said South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson.  "Chairman Ross was a Republican pioneer who joined Governor James B. Edwards, Senator Strom Thurmond and others in laying the conservative foundation in South Carolina on which the Republican Party has been built.  Thanks to Chairman Ross, our State Party is stronger and more united than ever." 

Ross is survived by his wife Helen and daughter Dawn Hollingsworth.

Comments

[Ben Kinlaw]

Mr. Ross was not only instrumental in playing a vital role ushering in the age of Republicans in a two party system in SC; he deeply loved his country, a proud American veteran honorably serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, a true patriot.

My last conversation with D.I., as he was locally known, was regarding how the fledging Republican Party feverishly worked on electing the first Republican to office in Barnwell County.

He was scheduled to attend our quarterly meeting on March 31, 2008, but had decline at the last minute due to health issues.

Not only does Barnwell County, but the state of SC owes a debt of gratitude to this former SCGOP state chairman. He was a true visionary!

Ben Kinlaw
Chairman
Barnwell County Republican Party