‘A very huge heart’: Board members salute Delaine
A framed photo and shrouded chair at Connell Delaine’s school board seat. PHOTO BY BOBBY BRYANT.
By Bobby Bryant
Editor
A shrouded chair and a framed photo took the place of Darlington County school board member Connell Delaine when the board met Oct. 12. The modest memorial stood in silent tribute to Delaine, 73, who died Oct. 9 after an illness. He had represented the Society Hill area for 18 years and was one of the board’s longest-serving members. Delaine, a retired Army sergeant major, “loved the (American) flag,” said board member Thelma Dawson. “He LIVED that flag.” “I’m going to miss Mr. Delaine an awful lot,” said board member Richard Brewer, who sat next to Delaine. “ … It’s like we hit if off right at the beginning, since we were both military. … There’s a bond that is formed.” Board member Wanda Hassler said: “He had a very huge heart for the parents, the teachers, the staff of the Darlington County School District. … And he had an absolute love for the American flag.” The board passed a resolution honoring Delaine. There was to be a moment of silence for him at all county schools Oct. 14. Funeral services for Delaine were being handled by Young and Young Funeral Home of Hartsville. He was to be buried last week at Florence National Cemetery with full military honors.
