William S. “Bill” Davies, Jr., Vice Chairman of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), was presented with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, by Governor Henry McMaster at the South Carolina Statehouse.
The award recognizes Davies’ decades of service to South Carolina through his work in law, military service, historic preservation and efforts to share the state’s rich history with future generations.
A graduate of The Citadel and the University of South Carolina School of Law, Davies served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps before practicing law with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough for more than 35 years.
Following his legal career, Davies devoted significant time and leadership to preserving and promoting South Carolina history. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission and is Immediate Past Chair of the South Carolina Historical Society Board of Managers. He has also served as President of the South Carolina Archives and History Foundation and President of the Palmetto State Military History Foundation.
Davies has been particularly passionate about preserving and interpreting South Carolina’s Revolutionary War history. He has played an important role in The Liberty Trail, an effort connecting significant Revolutionary War sites across South Carolina, and has helped advance the work of SC250 to tell the stories of the people and places that shaped the fight for American independence.
“Bill’s passion for South Carolina history is contagious, and his leadership has been an important part of SC250 from the very beginning,” said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. “He brings an incredible depth of knowledge to our work, but even more importantly, he has a genuine desire to make sure these stories are preserved and shared with people across our state. Bill has given so much of himself to this effort, and we are incredibly fortunate to have his leadership, his friendship and his unwavering commitment to South Carolina. This honor could not be more well-deserved.”
Davies was appointed to the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission in 2019. He has described the Commission’s work as an effort both to educate South Carolinians and visitors about the state’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and to strengthen cultural heritage tourism throughout South Carolina.
Throughout his preservation work, Davies has emphasized the importance of making history accessible to others. “The satisfaction I get from what I do is sharing with others the wonderful history of our state and our country,” Davies has said.
His service extends across numerous preservation organizations and projects. Davies has been involved with The Citadel Museum & Archives, the Santa Elena Foundation, Friends of Honey Hill and other organizations dedicated to preserving South Carolina’s historic places and stories.
The Order of the Palmetto recognizes Davies’ lifetime of leadership and his enduring commitment to South Carolina, its history and its people.