Ken Richardson of Conway received the Order of the Palmetto from Gov. Henry McMaster, on Tuesday, April 14, at the State House in Columbia.
“It’s quite an honor,” Richardson said. “I’m very grateful.” He also said the Richardson Family history in Horry County goes back 300 years, and he’s the first one in the family to receive the Order of the Palmetto.
The Order of the Palmetto, bestowed by the governor of South Carolina, recognizes outstanding service, benevolence, or lifetime accomplishments that benefit the state and its people, according the SC. Department of Archives and History. The Order of the Palmetto is considered the state’s highest civilian honor.
McMaster praised Richardson for his contributions.
“Ken Richardson has spent a lifetime strengthening South Carolina through his leadership in both business and education. From leading in the automotive industry to serving on local, technical college, and statewide education boards, he has helped shape opportunities for generations of students. It is an honor to recognize his lifelong service with the Order of the Palmetto on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”
Richardson is a current member of the SC Board of Education, appointed by McMaster to serve the 15th Judicial Circuit. He was elected as chairman of the Horry County Board of Education in 2018 and served for four years. He served four years on the board of Coastal Carolina and 20 years on the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Board. The Richardson Art Gallery at HGTC bears the name of Richardson and his wife, Donna.
“If the community is good to you, I believe in being good to the community,” Richardson said. He said his mentor Malcomb Fowler instilled that value in him. Richardson bought the Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Jeep dealership from Fowler.
Richardson said he has a good relationship with Gov. Henry McMaster and he, and McMaster, wanted the accepting of the award to be an in-person event. Richardson also wanted to receive the award while the General Assembly was in session so representatives from Horry County could witness the event.
“Kevin Hardee and William Bailey attended (the ceremony),” Richardson said.
Richardson also said he has served on various boards under six South Carolina governors, dating back to Gov. Coarroll Campbell. He said he had a good relationship with all of them.
