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Sanford taps Griffith to succeed retiring Calhoun clerk of court

ST. MATTHEWS -- Retired insurance agency manager Edward Smoak "Ed" Griffith of St. Matthews was appointed Calhoun County clerk of court Monday.

Gov. Mark Sanford issued an executive order naming Griffith to complete the unexpired term of J. Keitt Wannamaker, who is retiring Wednesday after 19 years as clerk.

"It's quite an honor to be able to take over the responsibilities of clerk of court," Griffith said. "I'll be honest with you, I've got a lot to learn through on-the-job training. But I understand they've got a wonderful staff there.

"I love Calhoun County. I've been fortunate to have lived here for 30 years."

Griffith was born and reared in Orangeburg. He graduated from Orangeburg High in 1968 and The Citadel in 1972 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He then served in the U.S. Air Force.

He returned to the area in January 1974 to serve as branch manager for American Bank and Trust in St. Matthews. In 1976, he became the Calhoun County office manager of the S.C. Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. He retired in March 2003 after more than 26 years of service there.

That same month, Wannamaker announced his intention to retire at year's end after serving three years of his four-year term. "He's done a great job for Calhoun County," Griffith said.

County voter registration and elections clerk Thomasine Brice said state law allows the governor to fill vacancies in county offices at any time.

"I was approached by several people throughout Calhoun County to pursue the appointment from the governor to complete the term," Griffith said.

He warmed to the idea. "I miss the people contact," he said, "and being 53 years old, I felt I have more to offer."

Griffith said his biggest regret is having to resign his seat on the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Area Commission, which he has held since August 2002.

"I enjoyed working with (chairman) Larry (Patrick) and (president Dr.) Anne (Crook)," he said. "They are wonderful people."

Griffith is a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Creston and serves as treasurer for the Cameron United Methodist Charge.

He and his wife, Jane S. Griffith, a Kingstree native and Calhoun County public school teacher, have two sons. Benjamin, 29, of Murrells Inlet, is a 1996 graduate of The Citadel and Chandler, 26, of Greenville, is a 1999 graduate of The Citadel.

Wannamaker said his last day on the job will be Wednesday. "I want it to be a quiet departure," he said in a brief interview Monday.

But his colleagues won't let his retirement go unnoticed. Wannamaker will be honored at a drop-in between 10 a.m. and noon Tuesday at the Calhoun County Courthouse.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Hendren can be reached by e-mail at lhendren@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5552.