Ousley named Rotarian of the Year

The Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach recently chose Mark Ousley as Rotarian of the Year for 2016. “He has a heart of gold and exemplifies the (Rotary) motto “Service above Self,” said Steve Jones, the outgoing president of the club and the regional manager of Brittain Hotels and Resorts.

Ousley, one of three owners of Full Steam Ahead, said the Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach does a variety of things to help the local community.

“We do volunteer work, and we do a lot of different things. It’s a whole organization, not just one or two individuals,” he said.

Projects that the members of the Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach have recently been involved in include painting the interior of two Habitat for Humanity houses. Ousley and Sarah Jeffcoat chaired that project.

The Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach provides books and dictionaries to students at Myrtle Beach Elementary School, and is involved with the Interact clubs of Horry County, which are the high school arm of the Rotary. The idea of the Interact Clubs is to get kids involved in helping their communities early in hopes that they will always be a part of giving back to their communities.

“At the heart of Rotary is the four way test,” Ousley said “The Four way test…of what we think, say or do. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

Rotary clubs around the world have been working diligently for years to help eradicate polio. It now exists only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ousley said. In addition to working to rid the world of polio, Rotary clubs help provide clean water to emerging countries, and are involved in other projects around the globe.

Ousley is currently on the March of Dimes Walk for Babies committee and is a former board member of Waccamaw Riverkeepers.

His past committee involvements have included United Way of Horry County and The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

“Not only does he talk the talk, but he walks the walk when it comes to Rotary,” said district governor nominee Gary Bradham.

“His enthusiasm is contagious,” said Sherry Smith, the incoming president.

Serving on the board of the Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach, and as membership chairman, Ousley expressed the belief that membership was not so much about the numbers as it was about the fellowship, hands-on service opportunities and the knowledge of each other. He has presented the membership plan he put together then at the 2014 District Conference and the 2015-2016 District Membership Seminar.

Though all of volunteer projects are important to him, he is especially glad to be a part of honoring the Myrtle Beach Police Officer of the year and all the nominees, every year, and of helping those with special needs play sports at the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues.

Ousley and his wife, Terri, attend Seacoast Vineyard Church in Myrtle Beach. They have five children and seven grandchildren, all living in the Carolinas.

Peggy Mishoe, pegmish@sccoast.net, 365-3885.

This story was originally published June 28, 2016 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Ousley named Rotarian of the Year."