WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 1136

Pearl Fryar

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.D. Chaplin and 1 co-sponsor

The bill formally honors Pearl Fryar for his topiary art and community impact, expressing the Senate’s sorrow and extending condolences to his family.

Introduced and adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1136

Summary of Bill S 1136 (South Carolina, 2025-2026)

Title

Pearl Fryar

Type and Purpose

  • Type: Senate Resolution
  • Purpose: Express profound sorrow upon the passing of Pearl Fryar and extend condolences to his family and friends.

Main Intent

  • Recognize and honor Pearl Fryar, a noted landscape artist and topiary gardener, for his life, work, and impact on the community.
  • Acknowledge Fryar’s personal history, career, philanthropic efforts, and the cultural and educational value of his garden.

Key Provisions

  • Formal expression of sorrow: The South Carolina Senate conveys profound sorrow over Pearl Fryar’s death.
  • Condolences: The resolution extends deepest sympathy to Fryar’s immediate family (wife Metra Fryar and son Patrick Fryar) and his many friends.
  • Formal presentation: Mandates that a copy of the resolution be presented to Fryar’s family.

Background on Pearl Fryar (as described in the resolution)

  • Birth and early life: Born in 1939 in Clinton, North Carolina, into a family of sharecroppers.
  • Education and military service: Attended North Carolina Central University; served in the United States Army in Korea.
  • Career: Worked for American Can Company/Rexam for 36 years, including during the company’s transition from steel to aluminum.
  • Garden and artistry: Began a topiary garden in Bishopville, South Carolina, in the 1980s on a three-acre site after clearing a cornfield; created living sculptures using rescued plant material.
  • Public recognition: The garden and Fryar’s work have been widely covered by media; the documentary "A Man Named Pearl" details his journey.
  • Philosophy and community role: The garden is described as apolitical and spiritually non-sectarian, with a universal message of love, peace, and goodwill; it serves as a sanctuary and educational space open to all.
  • Philanthropy: Established a scholarship fund for “average” South Carolina students to support post-high school education.
  • Personal: Married to Metra Fryar; father to Patrick Fryar.

Who is Affected

  • Fryar’s family and close associates receive formal acknowledgment and condolences.
  • The broader community and audiences who value Fryar’s garden, art, and educational impact may view the resolution as public commemoration of his contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and Adopted: The bill was introduced and adopted on 2026-04-22.
  • Sponsor Information:
    • Primary Sponsor: (Not explicitly listed in the summary, but the bill includes co-sponsors)
    • Co-sponsors: Jeffrey Graham; J.D. Chaplin
  • Effect: As a resolution, it serves as a formal statement of the Senate’s sentiment and does not create enforceable law or fiscal impact. It constitutes ceremonial recognition and commemoration.

Bottom Line

Bill S 1136 is a non-binding Senate Resolution honoring Pearl Fryar for his lifelong work as a topiary artist, community leader, and benefactor, and for his garden’s cultural and educational significance. It publicly expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing and extends sympathy to his family, with a copy to be given to them.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.