Ralph Anderson (politician) explained

Ralph Anderson
State Senate:	South Carolina
State:	South Carolina
District:	7th
Term Start:	1996
Term End:	2013
Preceded:	Samuel Boan
Succeeded:	Karl B. Allen
Birth Date:	2 November 1927
Birth Place:	Greenville, South Carolina
Death Place:	Greenville, South Carolina
Spouse:	Geraldine
Education:	Allen University Howard University
Party:	Democratic
State House1:	South Carolina
District1:	23
Succeeded1:	Fletcher Nathaniel Smith Jr.
Preceded1:	Ennis M. Fant

Ralph Anderson (November 2, 1927 – November 30, 2019) was a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 7th District from 1997 to 2013. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Anderson served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997.

Education

Ralph Anderson received his education from the following institutions:

• Sterling High School (South Carolina) in Greenville
• BA, Allen University, 1949
• Graduate Studies, Howard University^[1]

Political Experience

Ralph Anderson had the following political experience:

• Senator, South Carolina State Senate, 1997–2013
• Representative, South Carolina State House of Representatives, 1991–1997
• Council Member, City of Greenville, 1983–1991
• Board of Directors, Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 1983–1985
• City of Greenville Zoning Board, 1982–1983
• Commissioner, Greenville Civil Service Commission, 1969–1973

Legislative Committees

Ralph Anderson was a member of the following committees:

• Corrections and Penology, Member
• Education, Member
• Finance, Member
• Medical Affairs, Member
• Transportation, Member
• Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees
• Board Member, Community Planning Council
• Member, Greenville Civil Service Commission
• Representative of the City, Greenville Housing Authority Board

Professional Experience

Ralph Anderson had the following professional experience:

• Retired
• Postmaster, United States Postal Service, 1970–1983
• Non-Commissioned Officer, United States Army, Fort Jackson/Germany, 1950–1952

Organizations

Ralph Anderson was a member of the following organizations:

• President, Board of Directors, Phyllis Wheatley Center, 1985–1991
• Member, Municipal Association of South Carolina, 1986–1988
• Staffer, Family Counseling Services, 1983–1986
• Board Member, Greenville YMCA, 1969–1973
• Executive Member, Appalachian Council of Governments
• Member, Greenville Regional Board of Directors, BB&T Bank
• Board Member, Community Foundation of Greater Greensville, Incorporated
• Member, Freemasons
• First Vice President, Greenville Chapter, NCAAP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
• Member, Board of Trustees, Saint Anthony's Catholic School, Greenville
• Board Member, Senior Action of Greenville County
• Board Member, Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources

Retirement

On March 21, 2012, Anderson announced he would not seek re-election.^[2] He died on November 30, 2019, at age 92.^[3]

Legacy and recognitions

In November 2023, the Ralph Anderson Pedestrian Bridge was dedicated.^[4]

External links

• Bridge dedicated to Sen. Ralph Anderson at Roper Mountain Science Center 2023 at Greenville Journal
• Carolina Legislature - Senator Ralph Anderson official SC Senate website
• Project Vote Smart - Senator Ralph Anderson (SC) profile
• Follow the Money — Ralph Anderson
  • 2006 2004 2002 2000 1996 campaign contributions

Notes and References

1. Web site: Senator Ralph Anderson's Biography. Project Vote Smart. 28 October 2012.
2. News: Walton. E Richard. Sen. Ralph Anderson won't seek reelection. https://archive.today/20130131152830/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/greenvilleonline/access/2614533381.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+21,+2012. dead. January 31, 2013. 26 October 2012. Greenville News. 21 March 2012.
3. News: Former State Sen. Ralph Anderson passes away. WYFF. November 30, 2019. November 30, 2019.
4. News: Fitzgerald . Megan . November 30, 2023 . Roper Mountain Science Center dedicates bridge to Sen. Ralph Anderson . January 6, 2024 . Greenville Journal.