Former Horry County Councilman James Frazier dies

Former Horry County Coucilman James Frazier, who represented District 7, has died, according to Horry County officials.

Horry County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus released the following statement through county spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier: "Horry County, and the state of South Carolina, lost a great man and public servant today, with the passing of former Horry County Councilman James R. Frazier. He served his life serving us, and touched the lives of everyone he encountered. I want to thank his family for sharing his time on earth with us and making our community the wonderful place it is today. Job well done, Mr. Frazier.

On behalf of the members of Horry County Council, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jackie, and all his family and loved ones today," he said.

Frazier, who was the first African-American elected to the council and its longest-serving member, retired after 35 years of service. The Bucksport native stepped down in March for health reasons.

Frazier's lasting mark can be seen in the Bucksport Community with the construction of the James R. Frazier Community Center, which was completed in 2008.

He had served on the South Carolina Association of Counties Board of Directors since 2006 and was appointed president in 2015.

Frazier retired after 23 years of service with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and was one of five spokesmen nationwide who was invited to the White House by President Jimmy Carter to discuss issues facing American farmers.

He was also a longtime member of the Horry County Democratic Party and was elected as the first African-American chairman in 1986.

Our Grand Strand news partner alliance, WPDE contributed to this report.

This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 6:58 AM with the headline "Former Horry County Councilman James Frazier dies."